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NBA Draft grades: Real-time analysis for every 2026 first-round pick

Follow along for every pick of the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft.

It's finally time for the 2026 NBA Draft, which means players such as AJ Dybantsa and Darryn Peterson will finally hear their names called as they begin their professional careers.

After months of anticipation, we will soon have answers about the future of the top prospects in basketball. Like with any draft, it is impossible to predict exactly which pick will make a front office look smart down the road and which could potentially cost someone their job.

But we still are going to make a valiant effort to try, so that's exactly what we are here to do. We've given our predictions about where each player will land, we've read all of the experts. We've even interviewed some of the biggest names like Caleb Wilson, Keaton Wagler, and Mikel Brown Jr. as part of the pre-draft process.

Now, it's time to offer up our best attempt at analyzing how each player is going to fit with their new teams:

The Washington Wizards are officially first on the clock to announce their decision at No. 1 overall.

1. Washington Wizards

(This section will be filled out after the Wizards make their pick.)

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 2026 NBA Draft grades: Instant analysis for every first-round pick

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Colorado Rockies vs. Boston Red Sox game discussion: Sonny Gray vs Sean Sullivan

Jun 17, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Colorado Rockies pitcher Sean Sullivan (45) throws the ball against the Chicago Cubs during the first inning at Wrigley Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

The Colorado Rockies have won three of four games so far on their current home-stand, and all three of those games have come with late innings hijinks. After two ninth-inning nail-biters against the Pittsburgh Pirates, the Rockies decided that more shenanigans were in store for their series opener against the visiting Boston Red Sox.

Down by two runs in the top of the eighth, the Rockies strung together four straight singles and failed to score a run due to base-running mishaps. However, they came back to walk the Red Sox off with another four straight hits in the bottom of the ninth. Two singles, a bunt single, and a bases clearing triple by Jake McCarthy came against one of the best closers in Major League Baseball.

Tonight the Rockies will look to cement a series win against the Red Sox… Hopefully without causing their fans a lot of undue stress in the late innings.

Rookie lefty Sean Sullivan will be making the third start of his young Major League career, and ideally it will go a bit better than the first two. In his first start, a visibly ill and laboring Sullivan pitched just three–albeit solid–innings. In the second, he gave up eight earned runs in four innings of work with two walks and two strikeouts. Seven of those runs came in just one inning. If Sullivan can take the best parts of his two performances so far, the third time might just be the charm.

On the bump for Boston is the three-time All-Star and 14-year right-handed veteran Sonny Gray, who is making his 14th start of his first season with the Red Sox. Through his first 13 starts and 69.1 innings, Gray has a 3.12 ERA with 55 strikeouts.

Gray has surprisingly little history against the Rockies, having made just two starts with 11.2 total innings. In those starts he has allowed four earned runs on seven hits with seven walks and 14 strikeouts. He has not given up a home run. The 36-year-old has a very well-balanced arsenal of pitches consisting of a cutter, a low 90s four-seam fastball, a sweeper, a curveball, and a sinker.

First Pitch: 6:40 p.m. MDT

TV: Rockies.TV

Radio: 850 AM/94.1 FM KOA Rockies Radio Network; KNRV 1150 AM (Spanish)

Red Sox SB Nation Site:Over the Monster

Lineups:

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2026 NHL Mock Draft: Top 16 Projections With Caleb Malhotra Available To Blackhawks

With the Brady Tkachuk trade to the Florida Panthers, there is some shakeup in the top 10 of the 2026 NHL Draft. The Chicago Blackhawks, however, will not see their fourth overall pick impacted by that move.

They still have to wait to see how things unfold with the Toronto Maple Leafs, San Jose Sharks, and Vancouver Canucks ahead of them.

Early in the process, there was some chatter that the San Jose Sharks would take a defenseman, which could leave Ivar Stenberg for the Blackhawks if the Canucks took Manny Malhotra’s son, Caleb. 

Now, the whispers are that the Canucks may not draft the son of their new head coach. This is what the draft could look like if Stenberg is not available to Chicago because Vancouver flipped the script at the last minute: 

1. Toronto Maple Leafs - Gavin McKenna, LW, Penn State

The Toronto Maple Leafs selecting Gavin McKenna would add another star to their crop of great forwards. Assuming they don't trade any of them, he would be wonderful on a power play unit with Auston Matthews, Matthew Knies, William Nylander, and Darren Raddysh. 

2. San Jose Sharks - Chase Reid, D, Sault St. Marie 

The San Jose Sharks made some moves that suggest they are changing their thinking, but they could still use a high-end defenseman at the top of the draft. Chase Reid would provide them with that. 

3. Vancouver Canucks - Ivar Stenberg, LW, Frolunda

The Vancouver Canucks pass on their coach's son here and select Ivar Stenberg. They have a strong history with Swedish forwards becoming stars, and Stenberg has that type of ceiling. 

4. Chicago Blackhawks - Caleb Malhotra, C, Brantford

With Gavin McKenna and Ivar Stenberg off the board, the Chicago Blackhawks select the third-best forward in the draft, which is Caleb Malhotra. A selection like this would move one of Anton Frondell or Frank Nazar back to the wing. 

5. New York Rangers - Keaton Verhoeff, D, North Dakota

The New York Rangers take a chance on Keaton Verhoeff's high ceiling with this selection at fifth overall. With Adam Fox's speed in question, Verhoeff would be a great compliment to him. 

6. Calgary Flames - Carson Carels, D, Prince George

The Calgary Flames just traded for Simon Nemec, which adds a great young defenseman to their pool. Carson Carels is another one with an incredibly high ceiling to consider adding to that mix. 

7. Seattle Kraken - Alberts Smits, D, Jukurit

The Seattle Kraken get what could turn out to be a star in Alberts Smits, who helped Latvian hockey take a big step in the Olympics and World Championships. They are desperate for stars, so taking a chance on this player with star potential is the perfect idea for them. 

8. Winnipeg Jets - Daxon Rudolph, D, Prince Albert

Things fall off a bit in terms of potential when it comes to defensemen following the selection of Smits, but Winnipeg is brilliant at taking young defensemen and turning them into great players. Daxon Rudolph would fit right in there. 

9. San Jose Sharks via Ottawa Senators via Florida Panthers - Viggo Bjorck, RW, Djurgarden

This 9th overall pick, which originally belonged to the Florida Panthers, has done some traveling. First, it was traded to the Blackhawks, but it was top-ten protected. Then, Florida used it in the Brady Tkachuk trade with the Ottawa Senators. Finally, the Senators traded it to the Sharks for William Eklund. Now, in this mock, they use it on Viggo Bjorck after using the second overall pick on a defenseman. Bjorck was impressive all season, whether it was with Djurgarden, the World Juniors, or the World Championships. 

10. Nashville Predators - Tynan Lawrence, C, Boston University 

The Nashville Predators had somewhat of a bounce-back year, but it wasn't enough to keep them from finishing with a top-ten pick. Tynan Lawrence, who may be a center or wing in the NHL, is the perfect project for them. At one point, he was projected to be a top-three pick, so taking a chance on his skills at 10 is perfect for Nashville. 

11. St. Louis Blues - Ryan Lin, D, Vancouver

This is the first of three picks for the St. Louis Blues in the 2026 NHL Draft. Selecting a defenseman in Ryan Lin makes sense for them organizationally, but they could probably use a bit of everything at this point. 

12. New Jersey Devils - Wyatt Cullen, F, USDP

Wyatt Cullen is a speedy forward who fits what the New Jersey Devils try to do offensively. His ceiling would allow him to play with one of Jack Hughes or Nico Hischier, which is a reason that they'd take a chance on him. 

13. New York Islanders - Ethan Belchetz, LW, Windsor

Ethan Belchetz, who will play for Michigan State in 2026-27, is in a great spot for him to work on his abilities. The New York Islanders would have two successful first rounds in a row if they made a selection like this. 

14. Columbus Blue Jackets - Adam Novotny, LW, Peterborough

Adam Novotny is a forward who has some very good goal-scoring skills, and the rest of his offensive game is solid. The Columbus Blue Jackets, who have some wonderful young players, are still trying to build up. This makes Novotny's ceiling worth considering for their long-term plan. 

15. St. Louis Blues via Detroit Red Wings - Oscar Hemming, RW, Boston College 

The St. Louis Blues acquired the 15th overall pick in the 2026 NHL Draft in the Justin Faulk trade ahead of the deadline. On Tuesday, they traded Jordan Kyrou to the Washington Capitals, which makes adding a high-end forward prospect enticing. Oscar Hemming is a great option for them if he makes it to 15. 

16. St. Louis Blues via Washington Capitals - Malte Gustafsson, LD, HV71 

The Blues received the 16th overall pick in the Kyrou trade, which makes it back to back selections in the mid-teens and three in the top half of the draft. They do need a lot of help all over the roster, but there may be some extra emphasis on defense this year. Malte Gustafsson is one to consider with this selection. 

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Capitals acquire Jordan Kyrou from Blues in bombshell NHL trade

An image collage containing 2 images, Image 1 shows St. Louis Blues right wing Jordan Kyrou (25) skates the puck out from behind the net during an NHL game where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Winnipeg Jets on April 9, 2026, at the Enterprise Center, Image 2 shows Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 14, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio

The NHL offseason has heated up in a big way.

And one team in the Eastern Conference hopes it has found the missing piece to the puzzle.

The Capitals on Tuesday acquired forward Jordan Kyrou in a trade with the Blues in exchange for forwards Connor McMichael and Milton Gastrin and a 2026 first-round pick (No. 16).

Kyrou, 28, broke through during the 2021-22 season with a career-high 75 points — and an All-Star Game appearance — before recording three straight seasons of 30-plus goals, leading the team in scoring each year.

St. Louis Blues right wing Jordan Kyrou (25) skates the puck out from behind the net during an NHL game where the St. Louis Blues hosted the Winnipeg Jets on April 9, 2026, at the Enterprise Center. Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

However, his production dipped this past season with just 18 goals and 28 assists for his lowest point total (46) since his third year in the NHL.

The Capitals, who finished with 95 points and missed the playoffs this year, made clear they are thrilled to acquire a player of Kyrou’s goal-scoring and offensive ability.

“Jordan is an exceptionally talented and dynamic offensive player who will make an immediate impact on our club,” general manager Chris Patrick said in a statement. “His skill, creativity, and ability to generate offense at an elite level will be a tremendous addition to our group. At just 28 years old and under contract for the next five seasons, Jordan is entering the prime years of his career. We believe he is an ideal fit for our team both now and for the long term.”

Connor McMichael of the Washington Capitals seen in action during the game against the Columbus Blue Jackets at Nationwide Arena on April 14, 2026 in Columbus, Ohio. Getty Images

Kyrou signed an eight-year extension worth $65 million before the 2022-23 season, so he’s under contract through the 2030-31 campaign, in theory giving Washington a top-flight forward for years to come.

In McMichael, the Capitals lose their 2019 first-round pick, who, ironically enough, finished with 46 points last season. Gastrin, a center from Sweden, was a second-round pick last year and has yet to make his NHL debut.

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Revisiting Brian Burke's Tenure as Flames President

On Monday, former Calgary Flames President of Hockey Operations Brian Burke earned induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame. With a career spanning almost four decades, including a Stanley Cup championship with the Anaheim Ducks in 2007, this is one of the highest honors for Burke, who recently served as the Executive Director of the PWHL.

In the NHL, Burke held many leadership positions with several clubs, including the Vancouver Canucks, Hartford Whalers, Anaheim Ducks, Toronto Maple Leafs, Pittsburgh Penguins, and, of course, the Flames. 

After serving as President, General Manager, and Senior Advisor with the Maple Leafs, he became the Flames' President of Hockey Operations on Sept. 5, 2013. Within three months, Burke fired then General Manager Jay Feaster, assuming the role for the remainder of the season. 

Behind the bench, Bob Hartley was in his second season with the club, securing a 35-40-7 record for 77 points, improving upon a 19-25-4 record from the shortened 48-game 2012-13 campaign. However, the Flames finished sixth in the Pacific Division.

Interestingly, in the Flames' first trade under Burke, they acquired Joe Colborne from the Toronto Maple Leafs on Sep. 29, 2013. Shortly after the season began, Calgary made its second-ever trade with its provincial rivals, the Edmonton Oilers, acquiring Ladislav Smid and Olivier Roy for Roman Horak and Laurent Brossoit on Nov. 8, 2013.

On Apr. 28, 2014, Burke hired Brad Treliving to be the Flames' eighth General Manager. At the 2014 NHL Draft, Burke's first with the Flames, they selected Sam Bennett with the fourth overall pick. Unfortunately, the rest of that year's draft class was a miss, as none of the five others ever played an NHL game.

In the 2014-15 season, the organization rebounded, qualifying for the Stanley Cup playoffs with a 45-30-7 record, defeating the Canucks in six games before losing to the Ducks in five, both organizations with deep connections to Burke. Yet the success was short-lived, as the team missed the playoffs again in 2015-16, posting an opposite record of 30-45-7. The inconsistencies led to Glen Gulutzan replacing Hartley for the start of the new season.

At least the Flames found some success in Burke's second draft in 2015. Without a first-round pick, they ended up selecting Ramus Andersson at 53rd overall, along with Oliver Kylington (60th overall) and Andrew Mangiapane (166th overall). Meanwhile, one of the biggest trades in franchise history took place on June 26, 2015, when the Flames acquired defenseman Dougie Hamilton from the Boston Bruins for three draft picks: a first- and two second-round picks in the 2015 NHL Draft. 

While Calgary advanced to the playoffs for the second time under Burke's watch in 2016-17, losing to the Ducks in four games after posting a 45-33-4 regular season record, the franchise's future took shape at the 2016 NHL Draft. That year, the Flames selected Matthew Tkachuk with the sixth overall pick, following that up with Dillon Dube at 56th overall and future Norris Trophy winner Adam Fox at 66th overall. As many recall, all three eventually left the organization, with Fox the only one never dressing with the team.

Brad Treliving © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images
Brad Treliving © Sergei Belski-Imagn Images

In 2017-18, the Flames scraped by with a 37-35-10 record, missing the playoffs for the third time since Burke's hire. Moreover, the team cycled through goalies, with Burke and Treliving acquiring Niklas Backstrom, Brian Elliott, and Mike Smith while dealing away Chad Johnson and Eddie Lack. Additionally, on Feb. 27, 2016, they traded away fan favorite Jiri Hudler to the Florida Panthers.

At the 2017 NHL Draft, the Flames used their first round pick on Juuso Välimäki (16th overall) and then used their next pick on Adam Ruzicka at 109th overall. Their last three picks in the later rounds never made it into the league.

Despite many ups and downs, Burke stepped down as President of Hockey Operations on Apr. 27, 2018. However, in one of the final moves he oversaw before departing, the Flames relieved Gulutzan of his coaching duties and hired Bill Peters as head coach on Apr. 23, 2018. Under Burke's watch, the Flames went 197-178-35 and only won a total of five playoff games.

Despite the lack of overwhelming success during his time with the club, Burke is the one who hired Brad Treliving, who would go on to leave his fingerprints all over today's roster. Eventually, Treliving would trade Tkachuk for Jonathan Huberdeau and MacKenzie Weegar and lose Johnny Gaudreau to free agency. On the other hand, he drafted Dustin Wolf, Connor Zary, Martin Pospisil, and Matt Coronato, pillars of today's rebuild. 

Burke becomes the latest inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame with connections to the Flames, including the late Cliff Fletcher, Jarome Iginla, Joe Nieuwendyk, Mike Vernon, Al MacInnis, Joe Mullen, Doug Gilmour, Brett Hull, Sergei Makarov, Martin St. Louis, and Lanny McDonald. 

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Red Wings Break From Long Standing Northern Michigan Tradition

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On Tuesday morning, it was announced by the Detroit Red Wings that they will be hosting a four-team Prospect Tournament and Training Camp at the BELFOR Training Center inside of Little Caesars Arena in September. 

This breaks from a longstanding tradition for the franchise that began in 1997 of holding Training Camp in Traverse City, Michigan. 

The prospect tournament will feature players from not only the Red Wings but the Dallas Stars, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Columbus Blue Jackets, starting on Sept. 12. Training Camp will commence on Sept. 17, followed by four exhibition contests. 

This will mark only the third time since 1997 that the Red Wings don't hold Training Camp at Center Ice Arena. The first occasion was in the winter of 2013 at the start of the lockout-shortened 2012-13 campaign; Camp was held at Compuware Arena (now known as USA Hockey Arena) in Plymouth. 

Additionally, before the shortened 2020-21 NHL season amidst the COVID-19 pandemic, Camp was held at Little Caesars Arena. 

Bookmark The Hockey News Detroit Red Wings team site to stay connected to the latest news, game-day coverage, and player features. 

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According to the staff at Center Ice Arena, it's not yet known whether this decision is a permanent one. 

“We’ve been wondering what’s been going on,” Centre Ice Arena executive director Todd Spaulding said via The Traverse City Record-Eagle. “We didn’t hear anything official until the last couple days.”

“We’ve always known there was a chance they would do something different,” Spaulding continued. “I don’t know if this is a permanent deal.”

The tradition of Training Camp being held in Traverse City was the idea of Hall of Fame coach Scotty Bowman. 

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Buster Posey faces the music as Giants struggles, controversies mount

Buster Posey sat in the San Francisco Giants dugout Tuesday, June 23, surrounded by cameras and microphones, ready to take the heat for his hand-picked manager getting disrespected by his hand-picked superstar.

Yet the franchise legend and current president of baseball operations and the organization were thoroughly unprepared to address the Oracle Park-sized elephant in the room – three pitchers scrawling Bible verses on hats to commemorate the club’s June 12 Pride night, prompting a tepid response from the organization.

Remarkably, it is now a 12-day story, a sequence that initially angered the team’s LGBTQ-friendly fan base, prompted a Department of Justice investigation into the team’s response and inspired Major League Baseball commissioner Rob Manfred to respond to Sen. Josh Hawley that the club’s communications before the event were “inadequate and not clear.”

Posey opted to read a prepared statement on the Pride dust-up and then fell back on answering “baseball questions only,” a decision that frustrated the gathered media and likely will only further disappoint large swaths of the Giants’ fan base.

“I understand that there's strong feelings on this topic,” Posey said in his statement regarding pitchers Landen Roupp, JT Brubaker and Ryan Walker scrawling a Bible verse that infringed on the rainbow SF logo on their cap, and reliever Sam Hentges not wearing the hat altogether. “There's differing perspectives, and out of respect to everybody involved, it's not something that I'm going to revisit.

“I understand that some fans are upset and frustrated, and I can promise you this is something that we've talked about a lot internally and will continue to do so.”

But certainly not externally.

Asked if the club talked to Vitello, the former University of Tennessee coach in his first job in professional baseball, and the clubhouse to explain the import of Pride night to the demographic, Posey said: “I’m not going to revisit. I’ll answer baseball questions.”

Asked to defend the club in the wake of Manfred’s comments, Posey said: “I’ll answer baseball questions,” the three-time World Series champ and future Hall of Fame catcher growing increasingly uncomfortable.

After two more queries, a team staffer threatened to end the press conference if the line of questioning continued.

And there was plenty more to discuss.

Defending his guy

The Giants are 31-46 in Posey’s second year helming baseball operations, and he hired Vitello with the hope the fiery former Volunteers coach could provide a boost after four seasons in which the Giants hovered between 79 and 81 wins.

Instead, the bottom has fallen out, aided and abetted by Posey’s roster construction.

Posey guaranteed shortstop Willy Adames $182 million and traded for Devers – still owed more than $200 million – before and during the 2025 season; both are barely performing above replacement level, with Adames batting .223 with a below-average 94 adjusted OPS.

Posey-signed starter Adrian Houser was recently moved to the bullpen. Fellow signee Tyler Mahle posted a 6.04 ERA before landing on the IL.

It’s been a grim season, and the June 21 flareup between Devers and Vitello epitomized the frustration.

Two days prior, Devers told Vitello his hamstring was a bit tender, but not enough to take him out of the lineup. When the Giants trailed 2-1 in the top of the ninth inning at Miami, that’s why Devers believed Vitello sent in pinch runner Jonah Cox when Devers drew a key leadoff walk.

He wagged his finger vigorously at Vitello, screamed into his helmet and gave bench coach Jayce Tingler the brushoff when Tingler aimed to pat him on the back upon return to the dugout.

Tuesday, Devers addressed the media and said he apologized to Vitello.

“I just thought he was taking me out of the game because of my hamstring and if he felt I was disrespecting him, that’s why I went into his office and apologized,” Devers said via club translator Edwin Higueros in the Giants clubhouse. “I know the type of person I am, I know the type of person he is.”

Buster Posey's Giants squad entered Tuesday 15 games below .500.

It might have looked worse than it was, but the incident nonetheless produced worthy questions regarding Vitello’s command of the clubhouse. This was a 100% Posey pick, a significant risk given the move’s unprecedented nature and the potential blowback if it went sour.

And Sunday looked awfully sour.

“I feel like Tony has the clubhouse, has the respect of the players in the clubhouse,” Posey insisted Tuesday. “Everything’s going to be heightened when our record is what it is. There’s no concern on my part that he doesn’t have the respect of the clubhouse.”

He said Vitello and Devers had a good conversation after the game.

“We’re all prone to have missteps at times,” Posey said.

Meanwhile, Posey has a potentially large task ahead of him: Selling off parts at the trade deadline should the losing continue. He said Tuesday he has not yet approached veterans Matt Chapman and Adames regarding their no-trade clause, nor will he trade starter Logan Webb.

It will be the second consecutive summer Posey will sell at the deadline amid a disappointing season, though this should be a more vigorous fire sale, with bigger names and better parts. Most notably, four-time batting champ Luis Arraez – a Posey success – should draw some return.

“I think with where we're at, unfortunately, we’ve got to have everything on the table,” says Posey, “and hear out different thoughts, from not only internally but from other teams as well, and try to right the ship.”

Right now, the ship is listing. And Posey is looking more and more like a very uncomfortable captain.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Buster Posey press conference highlights Giants' struggles, controversies

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Dodgers vs. Twins game chat

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - JUNE 22: Shohei Ohtani #17 of the Los Angeles Dodgers bats and hits a home run against the Minnesota Twins on June 22, 2026 at Target Field in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Brace Hemmelgarn/Minnesota Twins/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Three solo home runs accounted for all of the scoring on Monday. Let’s see how the Dodgers and Twins come to their offense on Tuesday.

Tuesday game info

  • Teams: Dodgers at Twins
  • Ballpark: Target Field, Minneapolis
  • Time: 5:05 p.m. PT
  • TV: SportsNet LA, TBS (out of market)
  • Radio: AM 570 (English), KTNQ 1020 AM (Spanish)
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Kyle Schwarber scratched from Phillies lineup. What we know about injury

WASHINGTON – Kyle Schwarber's epic first half was paused Tuesday, June 23, when the Philadelphia Phillies slugger was scratched from their lineup with lower back tightness.

The indomitable DH, whose 29 home runs lead the major leagues, entered this series against the Nationals on a significant heater, combining with teammate Bryce Harper to go 12 for 17 with six home runs over two games Saturday and Sunday against the New York Mets. He now has 369 homers for his career.

But shortly before game time against Washington, Schwarber was scratched from his No. 2 spot in the lineup; the Nos. 3-7 hitters all moved up a spot with Edmundo Sosa inserted in the eighth spot at DH.

Kyle Schwarber leads the major leagues with 29 home runs.

Phillies manager Don Mattingly said the decision to scratch Schwarber came seven minutes before the game, when his back tightened up. He attempted to swing and could not do so effectively. But Mattingly said Schwarber "said he was feeling better already," as the game went on, and that Schwarber has managed such tightness in the past.

He is considered day-to-day.

Sosa went on to drive in five runs, including a two-run double in the Phillies' eight-run ninth inning, in their wild 14-9 victory over the Nationals.

Schwarber has played in 75 of the Phillies' 79 games. He played in at least 155 games in his first four years in Philadelphia, including 162 last season, hitting a National League-best 56 home runs before signing a five-year, $150 million contract over the winter.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Kyle Schwarber injury: MLB home run leader removed from Phillies lineup

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ESPN’s final 2-round NBA Mock Draft has concerning update on Jayden Quaintance

LEXINGTON, KENTUCKY - JANUARY 07: Jayden Quaintance #21 of the Kentucky Wildcats jogs across the court in the first half against the Missouri Tigers at Rupp Arena on January 07, 2026 in Lexington, Kentucky. (Photo by Dylan Buell/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Round 1 of the 2026 NBA Draft is set to tip off tonight, and while one former Kentucky Wildcat is expected to hear his name called, it’s not a done deal.

When Jayden Quaintance first declared for the draft, many mock draft projections had him safely in Round 1, and some even had him going in the lottery.

However, as draft day has drawn closer, many projections have barely had Quaintance cracking the first round, and that’s holding true leading into Day 1.

At ESPN, Jeremy Woo’s final 2-round mock draft has Quaintance going 28th to the Brooklyn Nets, while fellow Wildcat Otega Oweh did not hear his name called.

In addition, Woo reports that NBA teams actually think Quaintance’s previous knee issues could cause him to miss time in what would be his rookie season.

“Teams have remained unclear about Quaintance’s floor, with some speculation he could slip out of the first round due to health,” Woo writes. “He did not earn a green room invitation as teams continue to express concern about the state of his injured knee, which multiple team sources fear could cause him to miss time next season. He had knee surgery in March 2025 after tearing an ACL at Arizona State, and he was able to play in just four games at Kentucky last season due to precautions around that injury.

“Still, teams love his talent and physical tools as a vertical spacing 5-man and see major upside if he can get back to full strength. Where Quaintance lands will depend on individual teams’ comfort level selecting him. There remains enough enthusiasm around his ability that it’s hard to see him falling all the way out of Round 1. Brooklyn could have the patience and developmental runway to roster him.”

That would be a brutal development for Quaintance, as many assumed the knee issue that plagued him at Kentucky was minor and would not affect his rookie season.

Perhaps that belief was incorrect and Quaintance does have some sort of lingering issue that could affect his availability for the 2026-27 NBA season. Here’s to hoping that is not the case and he goes on to have a healthy career in the pros.

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Game Discussion for St. Louis Cardinals vs Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday

Jun 15, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Alec Burleson (41) reacts after hitting a one run double against the San Diego Padres during the fifth inning at Busch Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-Imagn Images | Jeff Curry-Imagn Images

The St. Louis Cardinals continue their streak of 7 home games-in-a-row with game 2 against the Arizona Diamondbacks Tuesday night. Kyle Leahy gets the start for the Cardinals while the Diamondbacks are scheduled to start LHP Eduardo Rodriguez. First pitch is scheduled for 6:45pm central time at Busch Stadium and the broadcast will be available on Cardinals.tv. Note that JJ Wetherholt is at shortstop tonight and Jose Fermin is at second.

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Dodgers game to start 30 minutes late; give updates on Kyle Tucker and Dalton Rushing

Dalton Rushing sits in the dugout during a game against Baltimore last week.
Dalton Rushing sits in the dugout during a game against Baltimore last week. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

Dodgers manager Dave Roberts is planning for right fielder Kyle Tucker to be out for the rest of the series against the Minnesota Twins, after he left Monday’s game with low back spasms.

Roberts hopes to write Tucker into the lineup Friday, when the Dodgers open a three-game series in San Diego, after three days off, plus most of the game Monday.

“Hopefully he [can take] advantage of this, obviously to get right, but also kind of a mental reset,” Roberts said. “Hopefully the four days will suffice.”

Tucker, who said he felt a little better Tuesday but still sore, especially when rotating, is “pretty confident” that he’ll be able to avoid the injured list. And if he can take swings on Wednesday, he’ll probably be on track for that Friday return.

“But if he doesn’t, then we’ll have probably a tougher decision on Friday,” Roberts said.

Read more:Dodgers defeat Twins, but lose Kyle Tucker and catcher Dalton Rushing

Tucker, who has a .707 on-base-plus-slugging-percentage this season, has had a slow offensive start to his Dodgers’ tenure. He wasn’t ready to make any declarations about the potential benefits of time off to reset.

“Maybe,” he said. “We’ll see after I get back. We’ll see how that goes.”

The news on catcher Dalton Rushing, who exited Monday’s game to rule out a concussion, was more straightforward.

Rushing hadn’t yet gone through the second round of concussion testing needed to clear him to play when Roberts addressed the media Tuesday afternoon. But Rushing had told Roberts he was ready to play.

Read more:Dodgers great Justin Turner answers your questions, names his favorite baseball guy

“That doesn’t carry too much weight until I hear from the medical staff,” Roberts said. “But it is good to know that he said he’s good to go. My hope is that he’ll be available off the bench in some capacity.”

As a downpour hammered the tarped field early Tuesday evening, it was unclear when exactly the Dodgers would be playing. But despite plenty of rain in the forecast Tuesday evening, the teams and Major League Baseball identified a window for the game.

The Twins announced an estimated 5:05 p.m. PDT first pitch, representing a 25-minute rain delay.

Sign up for more Dodgers news with Dodgers Dugout. Delivered at the start of each series.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.

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Capitals acquire Jordan Kyrou from the Blues as trades ripple across NHL ahead of draft

The Washington Capitals acquired right winger Brandon Kyrou in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, keeping the player movement around the NHL spinning ahead of the draft later this week and with free agency on the horizon.

Washington sent veteran forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the 16th pick to St. Louis for the 28-year-old Kyrou, who is under contract for the next five seasons at a salary cap hit of $8.125 million.

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick foreshadowed making a move like this after doing more selling than buying at the deadline in March. Kyrou gives the team another player in his prime to join a core around Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Aliaksei and Ilya Protas, Ryan Leonard and Logan Thompson — whether or not Alex Ovechkin returns.

“We believe he is an ideal fit for our team both now and for the long term,” Patrick said. “Jordan is an exceptionally talented and dynamic offensive player who will make an immediate impact on our club. His skill, creativity and ability to generate offense at an elite level will be a tremendous addition to our group.”

Kyrou had 18 goals and 28 assists in 72 games with St. Louis last season, producing below expectations for someone signed to be a key contributor. He is a three-time 30-goal scorer, reaching that mark consecutively from 2022-23 through 2024-25.

McMichael, 25, had 46 points in 78 games with the Capitals last season.

Gastrin, 19, was the 37th pick in the draft last year. Washington still has the 18th pick Friday night as part of the deal that sent longtime defenseman John Carlson to Anaheim in March.

In other trades Tuesday:

— The San Jose Sharks dealt William Eklund and forward prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators for the ninth pick. The Sharks now have the Nos. 2, 9 and 27 picks in the first round of the draft Friday night. Ottawa got the No. 9 pick over the weekend as part of the return for sending Brady Tkachuk to Florida in the offseason’s biggest blockbuster so far. The Senators also received a pair of picks the Panthers got from Seattle for Mackie Samoskevich, along with a 2029 first-rounder.

— The New Jersey Devils sent Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two future conditional first-round picks, as well as No. 35 overall this year and prospect Etienne Morin.

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Capitals acquire Jordan Kyrou from the Blues as trades ripple across NHL ahead of draft

The Washington Capitals acquired right winger Brandon Kyrou in a trade with the St. Louis Blues on Thursday, keeping the player movement around the NHL spinning ahead of the draft later this week and with free agency on the horizon.

Washington sent veteran forward Connor McMichael, prospect Milton Gastrin and the 16th pick to St. Louis for the 28-year-old Kyrou, who is under contract for the next five seasons at a salary cap hit of $8.125 million.

Capitals general manager Chris Patrick foreshadowed making a move like this after doing more selling than buying at the deadline in March. Kyrou gives the team another player in his prime to join a core around Tom Wilson, Jakob Chychrun, Dylan Strome, Pierre-Luc Dubois, Aliaksei and Ilya Protas, Ryan Leonard and Logan Thompson — whether or not Alex Ovechkin returns.

“We believe he is an ideal fit for our team both now and for the long term,” Patrick said. “Jordan is an exceptionally talented and dynamic offensive player who will make an immediate impact on our club. His skill, creativity and ability to generate offense at an elite level will be a tremendous addition to our group.”

Kyrou had 18 goals and 28 assists in 72 games with St. Louis last season, producing below expectations for someone signed to be a key contributor. He is a three-time 30-goal scorer, reaching that mark consecutively from 2022-23 through 2024-25.

McMichael, 25, had 46 points in 78 games with the Capitals last season.

Gastrin, 19, was the 37th pick in the draft last year. Washington still has the 18th pick Friday night as part of the deal that sent longtime defenseman John Carlson to Anaheim in March.

In other trades Tuesday:

— The San Jose Sharks dealt William Eklund and forward prospects Kasper Halttunen and Brandon Svoboda to the Ottawa Senators for the ninth pick. The Sharks now have the Nos. 2, 9 and 27 picks in the first round of the draft Friday night. Ottawa got the No. 9 pick over the weekend as part of the return for sending Brady Tkachuk to Florida in the offseason’s biggest blockbuster so far. The Senators also received a pair of picks the Panthers got from Seattle for Mackie Samoskevich, along with a 2029 first-rounder.

— The New Jersey Devils sent Simon Nemec and Maxim Tsyplakov to the Calgary Flames for two future conditional first-round picks, as well as No. 35 overall this year and prospect Etienne Morin.

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The Latest: Prospects arrive on the red carpet for the 2026 NBA draft

The 2026 NBA draft is here, and the Washington Wizards are on the clock first.

Follow along for live updates, analysis and everything you need to know about all 30 first-round selections.

Here's the latest:

New views at the NBA draft

Fans attending the NBA draft are getting to see a little more than usual from their seats at Barclays Center.

With the arena undergoing some renovations, the red carpet that was previously held in the arena’s atrium was moved to the draft floor. A number of players were wearing sunglasses, even though it’s raining outside in New York and dark in the arena.

Also, some of the player interview stops after they are picked were also moved from their previous behind-the-scenes locations. The “Good Morning America” set is on the floor, along with ones belonging to NBA TV and Chinese entertainment company Tencent.

Miami Heat land Giannis Antetokounmpo ahead of draft

Ending a marathon watch for the next great Miami get, the Heat landed Giannis Antetokounmpo — a two-time NBA MVP and 10-time All-Star — from the Milwaukee Bucks on Monday night in exchange for a massive haul of players and draft picks.

The terms, according to a person who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the move had yet to receive the required league approval: Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis are heading to Miami for Wisconsin native Tyler Herro, Jaime Jaquez Jr., Kel’el Ware and Kasparas Jakucionis.

Milwaukee also gets the No. 13 selection that will be made in Tuesday night’s NBA draft, along with a first-round pick swap in 2030, first-round picks in 2031 and 2033 and a second-rounder in 2033, the person said.

Lendeborg lobbies for a reunion with May in Dallas

Yaxel Lendeborg wrapped up his college career by winning a national title at Michigan under Dusty May. He made his pitch to keep playing for him before Tuesday night’s draft.

The Dallas Mavericks announced they had hired May away from the Wolverines on Monday, and they have the No. 9 overall pick in the first round. That aligns with the rough range where Lendeborg — an Associated Press first-team all-American — could hear his name called as a potential lottery prospect.

So Lendeborg was ready with his pitch on ESPN’s predraft special.

“I’m very happy for him,” Lendeborg said while sharing a laugh with fellow Michigan lottery prospect Aday Mara. “I’ll be way happier for him if he suddenly takes me at nine. So he should draft me. Draft me, please.”

A little history for the Duke-UNC rivalry

Tobacco Road rivals Cameron Boozer of Duke and Caleb Wilson of North Carolina are part of the top overall tier of prospects in Tuesday’s first round of the NBA draft. If they both go in the top four as widely expected, that would be the first time in nearly four decades that the Blue Devils and Tar Heels each had a top-five pick in the same draft.

The last time came in 1989, when Duke forward Danny Ferry went No. 2 overall followed by UNC forward J.R. Reid at No. 5. The closest the schools had come since that time was in 2019, with Duke having forwards Zion Williamson going No. 1 and RJ Barrett going No. 3, while UNC had guard Coby White go No. 7.

Boozer became the fifth freshman named Associated Press men’s national player of the year, while Wilson was a second-team AP All-American in an injury-shortened season.

Wilson promising big things

North Carolina freshman Caleb Wilson isn’t shy about selling his potential.

The 6-foot-9, 211-pound forward appeared on ESPN’s predraft Red Carpet Special, hours before the start of a draft where Wilson is widely projected to be a top-four selection. When asked what the NBA team that drafts him Tuesday night would be getting, Wilson said: “A game changer.”

Wilson is part of a top overall tier of prospects that includes BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Kansas’ Darryn Peterson and Duke’s Cameron Boozer.

Picks 21-30

21. Detroit Pistons (via Timberwolves)

22. Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets)

23. Atlanta Hawks (via Cavaliers)

24. New York Knicks

25. Los Angeles Lakers

26. Denver Nuggets

27. Boston Celtics

28. Brooklyn Nets (via Pistons)

29. Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs)

30. Dallas Mavericks (via Thunder)

Mavs have 2 first-round picks to round out May’s roster

The Dallas Mavericks’ overhaul following the Luka Doncic trade took another important step with Monday’s hiring of Michigan’s Dusty May as coach. Now they’ll have two first-round selections to add more pieces around NBA rookie of the year Cooper Flagg.

Dallas has the No. 9 and No. 30 overall picks in the first round, as well as a second-round selection for Wednesday.

In addition to Flagg, the Mavericks are set to get star guard Kyrie Irving back in his recovery from a serious knee injury, as well as having returning pieces like forwards P.J. Washington and Daniel Gafford and center Dereck Lively II.

The No. 9 pick falls in range where numerous one-and-done guards are likely to land. That tier includes Arkansas’ Darius Acuff Jr., Houston’s Kingston Flemings, Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., Illinois’ Keaton Wagler and Arizona’s Brayden Burries. Freshman forward Nate Ament from Tennessee could also be an option.

Mavericks announce hiring of Dusty May hours before the start of the draft

The Dallas Mavericks officially announced Dusty May as their new coach just a few hours before entering the NBA draft with the ninth pick on Tuesday night.

May is making the jump to the NBA less than three months after leading Michigan to its first NCAA championship since 1989. He had a 64-13 record in two years with the Wolverines, including a 34-3 season that ended with a 69-63 victory over UConn in the national title game.

The Mavericks made their choice to replace Jason Kidd official on the same day they could select the next young player who would be part of building around 2025 No. 1 pick and reigning Rookie of the Year Cooper Flagg, who turns 20 in December.

Dallas also has the final pick of the first round at No. 30 and the 48th choice in the second round, which will be held Wednesday.

Picks 11-20

11. Golden State Warriors

12. Oklahoma City Thunder

13. Milwaukee Bucks

14. Charlotte Hornets

15. Chicago Bulls (via Trail Blazers)

16. Memphis Grizzlies (via Suns)

17. Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers)

18. Charlotte Hornets (via Magic)

19. Toronto Raptors

20. San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks)

Several NCAA champs could go early

Michigan’s frontcourt powered the Wolverines to their first NCAA title since 1989. That trio could follow up by all landing in the lottery of Tuesday’s NBA draft.

Forwards Yaxel Lendeborg and Morez Johnson Jr. join big man Aday Mara in being set to go by roughly midway through the first round.

The 7-foot-3 Mara is massive and projects as a potential rim-protecting defensive force. Lendeborg was a first-team Associated Press All-American who improved his outside shot, while Johnson is a versatile player who could work as a forward or as a small-ball 5-man.

The Wolverines could produce three first-round picks on Tuesday night for the first time since the 1990 draft.

Picks 1-10

1. Washington Wizards

2. Utah Jazz

3. Memphis Grizzlies

4. Chicago Bulls

5. LA Clippers (via Pacers)

6. Brooklyn Nets

7. Sacramento Kings

8. Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans)

9. Dallas Mavericks

10. Milwaukee Bucks

Dybansta has long looked like a No. 1 pick

AJ Dybantsa has been a longtime favorite to be the No. 1 overall NBA draft pick. He’ll find out Tuesday whether he’s reached that status.

The 6-foot-9, 217-pound freshman lived up to all the hype at BYU, leading the country in scoring (25.5 points) while becoming a first-team Associated Press All-American. He pressured defenses with his ability to get off his own shot and by attacking to get to the foul line more than any other player in Division I.

The chief challenge to Dybantsa hearing his name called by the Washington Wizards is Kansas one-and-done guard Darryn Peterson.

The Washington Wizards are on the clock with the No. 1 pick

The Washington Wizards have the No. 1 pick in the NBA draft on Tuesday night, with AJ Dybantsa, Darryn Peterson and Cameron Boozer among the options after strong freshman seasons in college.

Washington’s NBA title drought is almost as long as the New York Knicks’ was, having last won in 1978 when the team was still known as the Bullets.

The Wizards could go for Dybantsa, a forward who led the nation in scoring at BYU; or Peterson, a guard with tons of talent but some question marks after missing 11 games at Kansas with injuries and illness; or Boozer, a forward who was college basketball’s player of the year at Duke.