LAKELAND, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 17: Tarik Skubal #29 of the Detroit Tigers poses for a photo during the Detroit Tigers Photo Day at Publix Field at Joker Marchant Stadium on February 17, 2026 in Lakeland, Florida. (Photo by Geoff Stellfox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Happy Wednesday everyone! We’ve had real baseball on our screens, complete with curmudgeon announcers griping about players with too many chains, and hot Tigers’ prospects missing some routine fly balls (both Max Clark, sorry Max). But more important than any of that: we have been able to see and hear the Tigers play, which means we are getting our first real look of what this year’s team might look like, and also it means we are getting ever closer to Opening Day.
Between us and that magical day, though, there is still the World Baseball Classic, and Tarik Skubal surprised many by announcing he would only make one start for Team USA. He shared his reasoning (we’ll get into it below) and it doesn’t make us any less excited about watching that one start.
We’ve got that and other baseball tidbits below, so let’s just get right into today’s news.
Detroit Tigers News
Don’t count on Tarik Skubal being on the mound for the finals in the WBC.
Tarik Skubal said today he will make only one start for Team USA in the World Baseball Classic before returning to Tigers camp.
"If they go to the finals, I think I'm going to try and lobby to just go watch and be with the guys," he said.
Tarik Skubal got into why he would only have one start at the WBC, and it’s primarily so he can be on site with the Tigers during Spring Training so he can be with the team as they gear up for the regular season. Here’s a quote from Kyle Koster’s reporting:
“That was the communication I had with those guys [Team USA]. There’s some risk obviously, and I’m trying to do both things, trying to pitch for Team USA, but also I understand I need to be here with these guys and get ready for the season.”
One could certainly read between those lines and suggest that Skubal also isn’t willing to risk an injury when this season will be his way to guarantee a massive free agency deal in 2027. Seems like he’s playing it smart and safe.
Paws really digging up the embarrassing teenage year photos here….
BREAKING: Nine-time All-Star Chris Sale and the Atlanta Braves are in agreement on a one-year, $27 million contract extension that includes a club option for $30 million in 2028, sources tell ESPN. Sale, 36, was set to hit free agency after this season but will remain in Atlanta.
Parking in one lot near Minute Maid Park reaches $80 before Game 1 of the World Series on Tuesday, Oct. 26, 2021, in Houston. (Photo by Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)
A completely pointless exercise, as we’ll find out soon enough, but I’m curious what you all think.
Current MLB.tv-based single-team packages are about $20 per month. This includes things branded exactly the same as Braves.TV, like “Padres.TV” and “Giants.TV.”
Braves.TV might offer more than the games, though I’m not sure it’s going to have an impact on the price. I’m not sure anything else, might, either. Though, the Braves might try to capture some revenue by bumping it up and hoping demand for the upcoming season isn’t particular elastic for folks that cut the cord but are in-market. I don’t think an introductory, lower promotional offer is in the cards, either, but who knows.
As I type, I realize the question is almost “Will it be $20/month or not?” essentially. But, weigh in on what you think.
MILWAUKEE, WI - FEBRUARY 24: Kevin Porter Jr. #7 of the Milwaukee Bucks shoots a three point basket during the game against the Miami Heat on February 24, 2026 at Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. 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 Gary Dineen/NBAE via Getty Images). | NBAE via Getty Images
The Milwaukee Bucks put their disappointing loss to the Toronto Raptors in the rear-view mirror last night, taking down the Miami Heat 128-117. The Bucks’ defense shut the door on Miami, holding them to six points in the final six minutes of regulation. Read our full summary of the game here and catch a six-minute audio recap on the Bucks+ podcast, Bucks In Six Minutes, below.
What a fourth quarter it was for KPJ. He just went into total takeover mode. Also, having seven assists to just one turnover is the next step in his evolution.
It took Green until the second half to put in his first points, but he found other ways to contribute with five rebounds and four assists. You want more scoring and shooting from him, but efforts like last night are good enough.
If Kuzma didn’t tail off in the second half, he might have gotten highest grade on the team. Kuz got a little three-point happy throughout the game, but starting the game with nine of the Bucks’ first 11 points made up for a lot of that.
Thomas was due for a stinker. He did have a nice stretch to end the first half, converting a crazy and-one layup and drilling a step-back midrange jumper over Tyler Herro. Outside of that, though, it was a quiet night for Cam.
Big shoutout to the load Sims carried. He played the final 17:22 of the game and looked great (particularly in the fourth, helping to limit Bam to just two points and one rebound).
The Ous finally got loose in Milwaukee. After going scoreless in his home debut against Toronto, Dieng had himself a solid day against Miami; he was much more assertive and aggressive.
Grade: B
Doc Rivers
Doc nearly cost the team the game again in the fourth quarter. For some reason, he left in a lineup of Rollins, Thomas, Dieng, Sims, and Portis that was getting shredded by the Heat. He stuck with that lineup for too long in the fourth quarter, getting down by nine at one point. Rivers saved himself by subbing in Green, and the Bucks immediately went on a 9-0 run.
Grade: C+
DNP-CD: Gary Trent Jr., Gary Harris, Andre Jackson Jr., Pete Nance, Thanasis Antetokounmpo
Inactive: Alex Antetokounmpo, Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
Bonus Bucks Bits
Doc used the term “manhandled” when describing their performance against the Raptors on Sunday. He was asked about how his team responded last night:
“This was a big response for us. This is what we haven’t done this year. We’ll get a nice stretch of games going, then we’ll lose, and then, in the next game, we’ll give in again. There were stretches where we could’ve given in, and we didn’t. I told them after the game, ‘that’s a gut kind of win for us.’”
Ousmane Dieng finally got on the scoreboard at Fiserv. I asked Doc about what he thought of the young wing’s performance.
“He was terrific, more in the second half. I thought in the first half he got beat a couple of times off the dribble, some of the fouls. In the second half, I just thought he got aggressive, pushed the ball, made plays, made threes. The kid is 22 [years old], and he’s gonna get better every night.”
On Sunday, the Lakers immortalized legendary former head coach Pat Riley with a statue outside Crypto.com Arena (still hate that name). Doc Rivers, who played under Riley when they were both on the New York Knicks, talked about Riley being the one who got him into coaching in the first place:
“People think I’m exaggerating, but I’m not; if Pat Riley never coaches me, I never coach; it’s that simple. Mike Fratello would argue he’s the one; he always told me I was going to coach, but I was hell-bent on going into TV when I was playing with the Hawks. During the summer, I worked for TNT and CNN, and I was going to become a broadcaster; that is what I wanted to do. Then I played for Pat Riley, and I just watched him coach. How he motivated, how he pushed, and it changed me. I’m sure it’s in one of Pat’s books; the big blow-up argument we had, a lot of it was over that. He said, ‘you’re gonna coach one day,’ and I was so mad at him at the time, I told him, ‘have you frickin’ lost your mind?’ The fact that I’m closing in on him, with a chance to pass him in wins, is crazy to me. I never thought I’d do it this long, and I’d like it this much because I never wanted to do it.”
Rivers also said that he thinks coaches should go back to wearing suits in the playoffs, after Pat Riley said as much. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra seemed a bit more tepid about the idea:
“Pat and I debate about this all the time. We went to the Hall of Fame for Mickey Arison (owner of the Miami Heat). So, I had to wear back-to-back nights of suits, and I swear that’s all Pat was talking about. I could see the argument both ways. I think as long as we look professional and different from the players, I think that’s great. I think it’s becoming a little bit different in corporate America, but then I also see Pat’s point of view. When I see the footage of him from the Lakers to the Knicks to the Heat, he did look sharp.”
Up Next
The Bucks are back in action tonight in the second game of a back-to-back, as they’ll be hosting the new-look Cleveland Cavaliers with James Harden. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. Central time, and you can watch it on both FanDuel Sports Network Wisconsin and over the air on WMLW.
Feb 7, 2026; Provo, Utah, USA; Houston Cougars guard Kingston Flemings (4) reacts during the second half against the BYU Cougars at Marriott Center. Mandatory Credit: Aaron Baker-Imagn Images | Aaron Baker-Imagn Images
Folks, it’s time. With the Dallas Mavericks firmly in position to compete for the NBA Draft Lottery, we need to take our first look at how the first round of the 2026 NBA Draft could play out. Myself, along with fellow Mavs Moneyball contributors David, Bryan and David hashed this all out during a live Pod Maverick during the all-star break, which you can see here.
Here’s where we settled in the lottery, with the remainder of the first round hashed out by me after the stream.
1) Brooklyn Nets – Darryn Peterson (G, Kansas)
Despite all his challenges, Peterson remains in the top spot. It’d be nice if over the course of the last month of the year, he’s able to consistently play full minute loads, as he did against Cincy and Houston on Saturday and Monday. However, the talent is undeniable, and he will be here until proven otherwise.
You could flip either of Dybantsa and Boozer around at two or three, depending on the team. Washington, in this scenario, takes Dybantsa to bolster their scoring with Anthony Davis and Alex Sarr manning the four and five.
3) Sacramento Kings – Cam Boozer (F, Duke)
Boozer follows suit and goes third to Sacramento, who desperately needs a steadying presence. With Sabonis likely on the move, Boozer is a plug and play starter.
4) Indiana Pacers – Caleb Wilson (F, North Carolina)
Indiana was favored by the Lottery Gods here in our sim, getting to keep their pick. The reward? Potentially the best defender in the class with Caleb Wilson.
5) Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans) – Mikel Brown Jr. (G, Louisville)
The first real shocker comes at five, with Atlanta making Mikel Brown Jr. the first guard after Darryn Peterson to go off the board. However, when you dive into the numbers since conference play began for Brown Jr., he’s been every bit as good as the three guys who will follow him in this mock.
in conference play:
Flemings: 45.9% halfcourt rim (31.9% of FGA); 49.3% overall rim, 23.8% 3Pr
Brown: 59.1% halfcourt rim (25.9% of FGA); 65.6% overall, 57.5% 3Pr
Brown also 16-34 on pull-up threes
imo Mikel Brown Jr. has been the better player since conference play started https://t.co/ysFKw9ZmDH
As I said on the stream, this part of the draft is the ice cream shop. These guys are all comparable, and teams will simply be picking their favorite flavor.
6) Utah Jazz – Keaton Wagler (G, Illinois)
Wagler remains an interesting scout, as he and Acuff have similar strengths and weaknesses. The difference is that Wagler is 6’6”, which buys a lot of good will in NBA front offices.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
If the board were to fall this way, it’s a no brainer for the Mavericks. Kingston Flemings could be a day one starter at guard alongside Kyrie Irving. The defensive intangibles that come from playing for Kelvin Sampson at Houston are a huge strength, along with his offensive production. You could ask, “why would he fall?” An answer could be that the jumper just doesn’t look as good as some of the others here. However, it goes in all the same.
8) Memphis Grizzlies – Darius Acuff (G, Arkansas)
Memphis has had success in the past with smaller guards, in going from Mike Conley to Ja Morant. Acuff would be protected defensively here, as Cedric Coward and Zach Edey are pretty good safety blankets.
Yaxel Lendeborg went through the draft process last year before pulling out and transferring to Michigan. It’s paid off, as he has drastically improved as a player. His only real weakness is his age, but if Milwaukee is trying to win now, it’s a great pick. If not, they’ll probably take Ament.
10) Chicago Bulls – Nate Ament (F, Tennessee)
Tennessee forward Nate Ament (10) moves the ball while guarded by Oklahoma guard Nijel Pack (9) during an NCAA college basketball game on Feb. 18, 2026, in Knoxville, Tennessee. | Saul Young/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The aforementioned Nate Ament has come a long way since the start of the season. Since SEC play began, he’s improved basically every statistical category from the non-conference slate. He might not make it all the way to the top five, as was projected preseason. However, the player we’ve seen for the last six weeks is the guy who was promised.
11) San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks) – Hannes Steinbach (C, Washington)
Leave it to the Spurs to take the international guy. Steinbach, of Wurzburg, Germany, has been a glass eater for the Huskies this season. There is development to be done with some of the finer things, but you don’t have to squint too hard to see the vision.
12) Charlotte Hornets – Jayden Quaintance (F/C, Kentucky)
Quaintance has struggled with complications from knee surgery last year and has missed a lot of the season. However, he remains here because he has a ton of potential on the defensive side of the ball. If healthy, he’s probably a top six guy in the class. As is, if he slips any further than this it would make sense for him to return to school.
Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images | Thomas Shea-Imagn Images
Brayden Burries might be my favorite prospect in the class. He plays with an outstanding feel for the game, mainly off ball with Jaden Bradley handling point guard duties for the Cats. Burries is an excellent shooter, works well in the secondary creation role, and defends very well. I’d take him as high as nine.
Portland is a true wildcard here, as their draft is somewhat run by former ESPN draft scout Mike Schmitz. Philon has had some wild variance over the course of this draft cycle. It went overshadowed, as Darius Acuff scored 49, but Philon dropped 35 points and seven assists in that double overtime win against Arkansas. He’s got great burst to get to the rim, and he shoots it at high level. Philon is firmly in the mix here late in the lottery.
15) Miami Heat – Koa Peat (F, Arizona)
It’s fair to wonder if Koa Peat returns to school if he falls out of the lottery. Peat has some seasoning that needs to happen offensively in order to reach his potential, as it’s pretty much all bully ball right now. However, they don’t make them like this guy physically. He’s a brute.
16) Golden State Warriors – Karim Lopez (F, New Zealand)
Lopez has seen a steady rise all the way to the outskirts of the lottery. He is a bit of a combo forward, which could be intriguing to a team like Golden State.
17) Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic) – Thomas Haugh (F, Florida)
The Grizzlies are a data-driven organization, which makes a guy like Haugh an interesting option. He does it all for Florida and could be a fun option alongside Coward, Edey and a guy like Darius Acuff. However, Memphis could be a trade team if they package their two first round picks together.
18) Oklahoma City Thunder (via 76ers) – Joshua Jefferson (F, Iowa State)
It would be shocking if OKC didn’t try and package these picks together for one better lottery selection. If they do stick here, Joshua Jefferson could be a replacement for the likes of Isaiah Hartenstein.
19) Charlotte Hornets (via Suns) – Braylon Mullins (G, UConn)
Mullins would add more offensive pop to the Hornets, which would be pretty scary off of their bench. Again, keep an eye on Charlotte to potentially trade in the draft.
20) Toronto Raptors – Cam Carr (G, Baylor)
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Baylor has been an unmitigated disaster this season. Their lack of a true point guard has hurt both Carr and Tounde Yessoufou, but the talent is still flashing. Carr is an excellent shooter and good at creating off secondary action, making him a nice fit in Toronto.
21) Detroit Pistons (via Wolves) – Morez Johnson (F, Michigan)
Detroit earned this swap at the trade deadline, which would allow them to take a guy in Morez Johnson that has been wonderful for Michigan this season. Detroit could use some forward help, especially if they decide not to pay some of the guys they currently have.
22) Los Angeles Lakers – Patrick Ngongba (C, Duke)
The need for a center is still there in Los Angeles. Luka Doncic has already shown the ability to win the west with a rookie center from Duke. So, might as well spin the block.
23) New York Knicks – Dailyn Swain (F, Texas)
Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-Imagn Images | Jordan Prather-Imagn Images
Swain has been a steady riser during this process, as he has really taken off since SEC play began. The worry here is the shot, because he is ready made in all other aspects of the game.
24) Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs) – Bennett Stirtz (G, Iowa)
Atlanta could use a guard that will help steady them, and Stirtz fits the bill nicely. He won’t ever be a star, but he seems destined to run second units for 12 years. He does almost everything well on the offensive end, but the limits defensively will cap him.
25) Denver Nuggets – Amari Allen (F, Alabama)
If Denver is truly unable to pay Peyton Watson this offseason, it’s time to start looking for his replacement. Amari Allen is perfect for that, as he will come in as a readymade shooter and defender.
26) Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets) – Chris Cenac Jr. (F, Houston)
Cenac is awesome, but it’s fair to question whether he’d remain in the draft if he is slated to slip here. If he stays, teams are getting an elite rebounder, solid defender and a guy who isn’t afraid to shoot. He’s got nice touch, but the shot selection could use some work.
27) Boston Celtics – Aday Mara (C, Michigan)
Don’t let the Duke game fool you, Aday Mara has been really good for the Wolverines and is deserving of this first round consideration. For a Boston team that needs a big, he’d be an immediate fit.
28) Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs) – Christian Anderson (G, Texas Tech)
Christian Anderson is undervalued by almost everyone, which allows the fall here to 28 and Cleveland. The sophomore guard is an excellent offensive player, shooting over 40% from three and running an elite two man game with JT Toppin. With Toppin now out, it’s time to see Anderson do what he did in the FIBA U19 World Cup with Germany: Carry a team to victory.
Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images | Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Yessoufou has been victimized by Baylor’s lack of point guard play, so the numbers aren’t as impressive as you’d hope. But the athletic ability is truly elite, as Yessoufou is able to guard and is a connecting piece offensively. The shot doesn’t look as bad as the low 30’s percentage from three would tell you, so there is hope on that end, too. Think Lu Dort, but without everything you hate about Lu Dort.
Tyler Tanner is an absolute joy to watch. He is fantastic on the offensive end, and the effort can never be questioned. Of course, he’s listed at 6’0”, 170 pounds, which is why he finds himself here. But, there’s a spot in the league for guys like him. Minnesota could work, especially considering their need for guard play off the bench.
FORT MYERS, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 12: Anthony Seigler #48 of the Boston Red Sox reacts as he takes batting practice during a spring training workout at JetBlue Park at Fenway South on February 12, 2026 in Fort Myers, Florida. (Photo by Maddie Malhotra/Boston Red Sox/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Who is he and where did he come from?
He’s Anthony Seigler. Have you not had enough infield depth pieces to read this winter? You’re in luck, because we’ve got more.
This particular infield depth piece started 25 games at third base for the playoff-bound Brewers in 2025 after making his MLB debut in July. The 26-year-old lefty from Cartersville, Georgia was a first round draft pick for the Yankees (three picks in front of Triston Casas!) and spent the first five years of his professional career in that organization. The Yankees-Red Sox crossover comps don’t stop there, because he is just the second Navajo player of all-time to make a Major League roster, joining none other than Jacoby Ellsbury.
Is he any good?
Stop me if you’ve heard thus one before: he’s exactly okay. Which is fine! Seigler has not quite found it yet at the plate in his short Major League career, batting just .194 with one extra base hit (a double) in his 62 at-bats. He fared a lot better at Triple-A, slashing .285/.414/.478. This is bolstered by his ability to draw walks, as his percentage as a pro approaches 20 percent. He’s patient, quick, and can pull a ball when he does hit it. Check out his Prospect Savant page for this hot chart (minimum 700 pitches seen.)
Clearly, Seigler has more work to do about getting that ball out of the park, but it’s interesting looking at the small sample size that is his Major League spray chart below (blue represents fly balls) and noticing that the ballpark he played last year in Nashville (a city that, in my opinion, is bound to have a Major League team in the next few decades) has a center field wall that measures about 20 feet further than where he’ll be hitting in 2026 (we’re talking about Worcester, here, not count Fenway’s triangle…)
One more thing about Seigler: he’s played all over the diamond, splitting most of his minor league innings between catcher and second base. And if that’s not enough versatility for you, he was drafted as a two-way player who also pitches, something that is great in, uhhh, emergency situation. But, I wouldn’t put too much stock in it, as he was only called upon to take the mound once in 2025. Plus, if you ask Alex Verdugo, he can throw 98 miles per hour and should pitch, too.
Here’s his first Major League hit. He has a really interesting swing here, as he appears to choke down a little. Which, if you’re hitting well, great! With Seigler, though, you almost wonder if an adjustment is needed.
But believe it or not, Seigler has even cooler highlights than his first Major League hit. That’s because, not only is he a two-way player, he’s a two-way player who throws with both hands:
It’s really tough to tell, and depends how good (and healthy) Durbin, Mayer, or whoever actually ends up playing third base is. It’s curious that the Red Sox dealt two pitchers, albeit some blocked from the rotation, in acquiring Durbin AND two guys that could potentially replace Durbin, who’s also going into just his second season in the show. If you see too much of Seigler outside of some Worcester highlights in 2026, it probably signals something going pretty badly. But you never know: if you see enough of Seigler at Fenway, it could also signify something went very right very quickly in developing him.
COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) — Co-host Sri Lanka was knocked out of cricket’s T20 World Cup on Wednesday after losing to Group 2 rival New Zealand by 61 runs in the Super 8 stage.
New Zealand hit 168-7 after being put in to bat by Sri Lanka captain Dasun Shanaka.
ATLANTA, GA - FEBRUARY 24: Bilal Coulibaly #0 of the Washington Wizards drives to the basket during the game against the Atlanta Hawks on February 24, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. 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 Joe Boatman/NBAE via Getty Images) | NBAE via Getty Images
The highlight of last night’s Wizards loss to the Atlanta Hawks was almost certainly the singing of the National Anthem by the Chamblee High School Mixed Chorus and River Ridge High School Junior ROTC. Catch it on a replay, if you can. Those kids did great.
The game itself had me doing mental math figuring out how many more of these I have to watch this season. Because ugh.
Wizards rookie Will Riley had a good fourth quarter in the team’s loss to the Atlanta Hawks. | NBAE via Getty Images
If you time-shifted this one to the morning, I’d recommend just firing it into the sun. In the first minute, I’d jotted “sloppy” in my notes. A few seconds later, I wrote, “SLOPPY.”
The Wizards committed turnovers on each of their first five possessions. They were disorganized and discombobulated. They were getting pummeled on the glass. When they finally did start getting shots up, they were inaccurate, and the shot selection was…well…crummy.
There were some moments of hopeful basketball. Bilal Coulibaly made a couple strong drives on consecutive possessions for a potential and-one (he missed the free throw) and a dunk. Dyson Daniels, who was first team All-Defense last season, had trouble staying in front of him. At least on those possessions.
The second of those possessions came with 8:33 to go in the first quarter. The game degenerated from there.
Before Atlanta began The Slacking Off, they built a 38-point lead. Washington’s bench mob staged something of a “comeback” to cut the final margin to a semi-respectable 21 points. The game was not even that competitive.
For the record, I double-checked my in-game mental math, which turned out to be correct. The Wizards have 25 games left in the season.
Thoughts & Observations
Atlanta’s broadcast had the cinematic camera first used (at least in the NBA) by the Toronto Raptors. It blurs the background on player closeups and a few other shots and looks epic. Kudos to the Hawks for adding it.
Here are Washington’s offensive ratings (points per possession x 100) by quarter:
First: 74
Second: 85
Third: 72
Fourth: 155
The fourth quarter output was more a result of Atlanta defensive indifference than Washington offensive excellence. Kudos to the Wizards for making the shots, I guess.
Neither team played well on the offensive end. Washington’s 91 offensive rating was their fourth worst of the season. Atlanta’s 110 ortg was more than five points per 100 possessions below average…against one of the NBA’s worst defensive teams.
Given the number of possessions (108 for each team) an average NBA game would have produced 249 points. The Wizards and Hawks combined for 217.
All complaining aside, Coulibaly had a pretty decent game despite shooting 3-9. In 24 minutes, he had 6 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 4 blocks.
If you’re looking for positives, focus on clips involving Will Riley (7-8 shooting) or Justin Champagnie (5-8) or Jamir Watkins (6-8).
Watkins, by the way, got hit with a well-deserved technical for flopping.
Jonathan Kumgina looked great in his Hawks debut. In 24 minutes, he had 27 points, 7 rebounds, and 4 assists and hit 3-4 from three-point range.
Four Factors
Below are the four factors that decide wins and losses in basketball — shooting (efg), rebounding (offensive rebounds), ball handling (turnovers), fouling (free throws made).
The four factors are measured by:
eFG% (effective field goal percentage, which accounts for the three-point shot)
OREB% (offensive rebound percentage)
TOV% (turnover percentage — turnovers divided by possessions)
FTM/FGA (free throws made divided by field goal attempts)
FOUR FACTORS
WIZARDS
HAWKS
LGAVG
eFG%
50.0%
44.9%
54.3%
OREB%
4.5%
32.8%
26.1%
TOV%
18.6%
9.3%
12.8%
FTM/FGA
0.167
0.215
0.208
PACE
108
99.5
ORTG
91
110
115.4
Stats & Metrics
PPA is my overall production metric, which credits players for things they do that help a team win (scoring, rebounding, playmaking, defending) and dings them for things that hurt (missed shots, turnovers, bad defense, fouls).
PPA is a per possession metric designed for larger data sets. In small sample sizes, the numbers can get weird. In PPA, 100 is average, higher is better and replacement level is 45. For a single game, replacement level isn’t much use, and I reiterate the caution about small samples sometimes producing weird results.
POSS is the number of possessions each player was on the floor in this game.
ORTG = offensive rating, which is points produced per individual possessions x 100. League average so far this season is listed in the Four Factors table above. Points produced is not the same as points scored. It includes the value of assists and offensive rebounds, as well as sharing credit when receiving an assist.
USG = offensive usage rate. Average is 20%.
ORTG and USG are versions of stats created by former Wizards assistant coach Dean Oliver and modified by me. ORTG is an efficiency measure that accounts for the value of shooting, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers. USG includes shooting from the floor and free throw line, offensive rebounds, assists and turnovers.
+PTS = “Plus Points” is a measure of the points gained or lost by each player based on their efficiency in this game compared to league average efficiency on the same number of possessions. A player with an offensive rating (points produced per possession x 100) of 100 who uses 20 possessions would produce 20 points. If the league average efficiency is 115, the league — on average — would produced 23.0 points in the same 20 possessions. So, the player in this hypothetical would have a +PTS score of -3.0.
Players are sorted by total production in the game.
Feb 24, 2026; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; New York Mets third baseman Bo Bichette (19) plays his position against the Houston Astros during the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images | Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Meet the Mets
The Mets tied the Astros 6-6 in a spring training game yesterday. Jack Wenninger started the game and threw two scoreless innings, but it was a game to forget for the Mets’ pitching staff with 13 walks given up in total. Mike Tauchman began his Mets tenure with a bang, launching a three-run home run in his first at-bat. Ronny Mauricio followed that with a solo home run of his own two batters later, and the Mets were up 4-0 before the first inning had concluded. Marcus Semien doubled and scored on a Bo Bichette sacrifice fly, and A.J. Ewing drove in the final Met run of the game on a sacrifice fly of his own in the sixth inning.
After Juan Soto declared that he wants to try and beat Shohei Ohtani and win his first MVP, Thomas Harrigan broke down how he could accomplish such a Herculean feat.
In search of a breaking ball he can trust against lefties, Clay Holmes might dust off his curve.
After speaking about how Pete Alonso might come to feel after leaving the Mets, Darryl Strawberry has now walked those comments back.
MLB Pipeline gave a sneak preview of some prospects making their teams upcoming top 30 lists, and a Mets pitching prospect is on the list.
Around the National League East
Chris Sale has signed another extension with the Braves, a one-year. $27 million contract for 2027 with a $30 million club option for 2028.
In other Braves news, the Braves have announced a new television network: Braves Vision.
Around Major League Baseball
MLB Pipeline has listed five prospects already impressing in spring training.
After Tarik Skubal announced he would only be pitching in one World Baseball Classic game, Paul Skenes upped the ante and announced he would pitch in two.
Jazz Chisholm Jr. made his declaration about a bold goal in his sights, and there are more stars that can attempt for big accomplishments this year.
Yesterday at Amazin’ Avenue
Linda Surovich took a look at fast-rising Mets’ prospect Jacob Reimer, who is in the major league camp to start spring training.
Chris on Chris: (Chris) McShane delved into the fun catching prospect (Chris) Suero, who flies around the basepaths.
Brian Salvatore attempted to answer whether repeated Mets acquisition Kevin Herget can stick around in the Mets bullpen.
This Date in Mets History
Partial 1986 Met Ed Lynch is celebrating his 70th birthday today.
CHICAGO, IL - SEPTEMBER 15: Ryan Mountcastle #6 of the Baltimore Orioles returns to the dugout during the game between the Baltimore Orioles and the Chicago White Sox at Rate Field on Monday, September 15, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by George Gaza/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
The Orioles made a lot of noise this offseason, and Pete Alonso arriving on a big contract was the loudest noise of all. The Polar Bear gives Baltimore a genuine middle-of-the-order presence that the offense sorely lacked in 2025. But his arrival also created a puzzle at first base that the front office has yet to fully solve.
Ryan Mountcastle is still on the roster, having agreed to a surprise $6.787M deal in January with a $7.5M club option for 2027. So is the 24-year-old Coby Mayo. And when you add in Samuel Basallo and Adley Rutschman — two bats this team very much wants in the lineup — you’re suddenly staring at five players who reasonably profile as either a first baseman or a designated hitter. Five is a lot. Especially when one is Alonso, whom the O’s signed specifically to play first and hit, and the others—Rutschman and Basallo—are considered franchise cornerstones, or future ones.
That doesn’t leave a whole lot of room for Mountcastle and Mayo to coexist comfortably.
A least a few observers find it curious that the Orioles haven’t moved either yet for the pitching help that still eludes this roster. It’s possible that Mounty is still around because the Orioles intended to package him and others for a top-flight starter like Framber Valdez, failed in this endeavor, and settled for Chris Bassitt instead.
Speaking for the front office, GM Mike Elias’s explanations have been cagey, to say the least. He told reporters this winter: “[I]t is never a problem if you have too many good bats. We saw last year how much depth a baseball team needs, and it’s more than ever, and we really like all these guys. … And we have designated hitter at-bats to go around for these players, too.”
But this doesn’t seem right, even with injuries keeping infield mainstays Jackson Holliday (hamate bone) and Jordan Westburg (oblique, UCL) off the Opening Day roster.
Imagine a hypothetical Opening Day roster with these 13 position players: catchers Rutschman and Basallo, infielders Mountcastle, Mayo, Alonso, Jeremiah Jackson and Gunnar Henderson, plus newly signed utility infielder Blaze Alexander to fill in for Holliday and Westburg, and finally outfielders Taylor Ward, Tyler O’Neill, Colton Cowser, Dylan Beavers and Leody Taveras. That’s still a lot of 1B/DH types, isn’t it.
Mayo is getting an opportunity at third base while Westburg is out. But keeping Mountcastle through arbitration felt like a holding pattern, not a plan, and still does.
Maybe one of them gets traded at some point before Opening Day. Maybe one of them breaks out this spring and forces a rethink. Maybe the answer is that someone gets hurt and the problem resolves itself in the most unwelcome way possible. For now, it’s one of the more interesting open questions in Birdland.
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 24: Gavin Stone #35 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers a pitch against the Cleveland Guardians during a spring training game at Camelback Ranch on February 24, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Norm Hall/Getty Images) | Getty Images
It had been 543 days since Gavin Stone last faced big league hitting, but on Tuesday he made his long-awaited return against the Cleveland Guardians.
Stone was only dealt one inning of work as he was handed the start, tossing 15 pitches while striking out a pair of hitters in a perfect first inning. Stone later spoke with Kirsten Watson of SportsNet LA about his return to the mound, as he will be one of a plethora of young options for the back end of the starting rotation.
“That was awesome,” said Stone during the second inning of Tuesday’s contest. “Considering the whole rehab process, how long it took, the surgery that I had, it was amazing to finally get back out there and do what I love doing.”
“I saw poise, I saw command of the fastball, I saw a really good changeup, and he just competes,” said Roberts. “Good to see Gavin back there.”
Links
Dalton Rushing understands his role as the main back-up to Will Smith. Although he still needs to adjust from playing everyday in the minor leagues to getting infrequent opportunities at the highest level, he is set on trying to contribute in whatever way helps this season, writes Sonja Chen of MLB.com.
“The word this year is ‘produce,'” Rushing said. “I just want to produce for this team, whatever way that is, whether it means putting down a bunt in the eighth to get a runner over, or it means to hit a go-ahead double. Come up big in big situations, whatever way it is. I just want to help this team win.”
It was quite the whirlwind of an offseason for outfielder Michael Siani. After finishing the 2025 season within the St. Louis Cardinals system, he was claimed off waivers by the Atlanta Braves at the start of the offseason, only to end up in a bidding war between the Dodgers and New York Yankees.
When the dust settled, Siani found himself at Camelback Ranch, and he is now looking to crack the Dodgers opening day roster. Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register writes about Siani’s offseason, with the outfielder staying even keel after the flurry of moves involving his name.
“All 30 teams had a chance to grab me. Luckily, the Dodgers held on to me to this point. It gives you more motivation and makes you want to be successful… Listen – I signed up for it. This is what I want to do. It comes with it,” he said.
Chicago Cubs star outfielder Pete Crow-Armstrong had some choice words to say about Dodgers fans and their supposed lack of devotion during games. Jerry Hairston Jr. was quick to retort, noting how home games are usually packed on a nightly basis.
“Yes, the Cubs fans are great fans. But do you know who’s better? The Dodgers fans. Dodgers sell out every single night— packed, loud— and it’s going to be loud. In late April the Cubbies are going to be coming to Chavez Ravine, and I’m sure Dodgers fans will ‘welcome’ PCA.”
ATLANTA — After riding the bench in Golden State, Jonathan Kuminga finally got a chance to shine for the Atlanta Hawks.
He sure made the most of it.
In his Atlanta debut on Tuesday, Kuminga threw down thunderous dunks, knocked down 3-pointers and spent much of the night smiling in a 119-98 rout of the Washington Wizards.
Jonathan Kuminga dunks the ball during the game against the Washington Wizards on February 24, 2026 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia. NBAE via Getty Images
“It was great,” said Kuminga, who also had seven rebounds, four assists and two steals. “I was excited to be out there with the guys.”
The Hawks acquired Kuminga and guard Buddy Hield in a deal that sent center Kristaps Porzingis to the Golden State Warriors at the trade deadline.
Kuminga checked in off the Atlanta bench near the midway point of the first quarter and made an immediate impact against the woeful Wizards.
He dunked off a fast break — breaking into a big grin as he headed back up the court — and gave a tantalizing glimpse of his wide-ranging talents with a 3-pointer, four assists, two rebounds and a steal during his initial stint on the court.
Kuminga wound up playing nearly 24 1/2 minutes, taking on a bigger-than-expected role after Atlanta’s All-Star forward, Jalen Johnson, went down in the first quarter with a hip flexor injury and didn’t return.
“He connected with his teammates and let the game come to him,” coach Quin Snyder said of his new addition.
Kuminga missed his first six games with the Hawks, sandwiched around the All-Star break, while recovering from a left knee bone bruise sustained in his closing weeks with the Warriors.
The No. 7 overall pick in the 2021 draft, Kuminga was dropped from the rotation in Golden State and asked to be traded when his playing time dwindled.
The Hawks acquired Jonathan Kuminga at the trade deadline NBAE via Getty Images
At first, the Warriors indicated there weren’t a lot of teams showing interest. But the Hawks stepped forward as a trading partner, parting ways with Porzingis after he played just 17 games during his only season in Atlanta because of injuries and illness.
Kerr discounted any off-the-court issues with Kuminga, even though the 23-year-old from the Democratic Republic of the Congo played in just seven of his last 38 games with Golden State.
He started the season as a starter, averaging 12.1 points, 5.9 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game during his limited time on the court.
Kuminga insisted that he wasn’t trying to send a message to the Warriors in his first appearance with the Hawks.
But he was clearly thrilled to be back on the court.
“Everybody has an opinion,” Kuminga said. “I really don’t play attention to what anyone else is saying. We’re trying to win as many games as we can here. That’s my main focus.”
SCOTTSDALE, AZ - FEBRUARY 20: Jordan Beck #27 of the Colorado Rockies greets manager Warren Schaeffer #4 as teams are announced on the opening day of Spring Training games at Salt River Fields on Friday, February 20, 2026 in Scottsdale, Arizona. (Photo by Kyle Cooper)
After playing in 148 games and slashing .258/.317/.416 with 16 home runs for the Colorado Rockies last season, Jordan Beck’s main takeaway concerned his health and physique.
“Just how to take care of your body,” he said. “I mean, you have an idea, I guess. We’d still play the minor leagues 140 games, but 160 is almost an extra month. So just staying locked in and realizing that you guys stay still on top of it that last month or so too. I think that’s a pretty big deal.”
The rigors of the regular season took their toll on a young, inexperienced Rockies team. Playing his first full season at the big league level, Beck was not immune to wear and tear and ended up slashing just .213/.247/.326 in the last month of the season with 31 strikeouts.
But the effort to make sure he stays healthy and productive throughout the year didn’t necessarily demand an entirely new offseason training program. Rather, Beck sees it as a change in mentality and approach.
“I wouldn’t say I necessarily changed a whole lot,” he said. “I think it’s just more like, when you come in and you get to the point where, ‘hey, the body’s hurt’ and you’re banged up a little bit, just knowing how to attack it. Still get in the weight room and do what you have to do, but not overdoing it.”
Not overdoing it seems to be a theme for the 2026 Rockies under manager Warren Schaeffer. The club has delayed start times during spring training to ensure players are rested and ready to attack the carefully laid-out schedule before them. There is an emphasis on making sure players have what they need individually to better themselves, while making sure they are healthy and ready for the regular season.
Beck, the 38th overall pick of the 2022 draft, rose quickly through the Rockies’ system, making a rushed debut in 2024. Despite a sizzling bat in Triple-A Albuquerque, Beck struggled in his short time with the Rockies before a broken wrist derailed his season and sapped his power potential.
He got a full run in 2025 and cemented himself as an everyday player for Schaeffer in the outfield. Beck had to learn and develop on the job, both at the plate and in the spacious ground a left fielder is required to cover at Coors Field.
There are hints of what Beck can do for the Rockies’ lineup. He led the team with 19 stolen bases and 43 walks. He also finished second on the team in doubles (27) and runs scored (62), while tying for second in triples (5). Beck ended third in homers (16) and fourth in RBI (53).
While it ended up being a fairly solid season for him, there is still a major theme Beck and the Rockies are hoping to improve for 2026: consistency.
Consistency in the positive sense eluded the Rockies last season. A prime example for Beck was in the power department. After slugging three home runs in a doubleheader on April 24th and two more in a game at home on April 25th, it looked like Beck had found his power stroke. Unfortunately, the long ball made rare appearances the rest of the season as he averaged two home runs a month from May through September.
While the power may have lacked, Beck dabbled with impressive marks in other categories. He managed a .291 AVG against left-handed pitching and was a menace at Coors Field, where he hit .303/.348/.466 with 18 doubles, three triples, eight home runs and 36 RBIs in 76 games. He also turned in a spectacular month of July by batting .314/.359/.442 with three doubles, one triple, two home runs, eight RBIs and two stolen bases.
However, Beck hit just .248/.309/.393 against righties and struggled to a .204/.280/.355 slashline on the road. Additionally, while his 29.6% strikeout rate was an improvement on his 2024 numbers, it’s still high; and he had a 31.2% whiff rate.
It’s these types of issues that have prompted the Rockies to overhaul the front office and coaching staff to work on getting the most out of their players. Rather than a cookie-cutter approach, the new staff is meeting players where they are and looking to improve from there, something Beck is appreciative of.
“I mean, there’s a lot, but at the same time, just go out there and be me,” he said. “I think that there’s being comfortable and letting the staff let you know, ‘hey, we like what you do. You go be you out there, and we’ll figure it out and hone skills from there.’”
But Beck and other players are eager to have the discussions about improvement and how to get better as players.
“Well, it’s been great. [It] feels like they’ve got full reins to coach and be able to get us to get better,” he said. “To be honest, I felt like this is new for us, but it’s also good because I think a lot of us want to get better, and [we’re] finding different ways to get better, and I think there’s a lot of different approaches now to try and get better.”
Beck is already getting a taste of the team’s desire for adaptability and change. In his three Cactus League starts, he has started in right field. After playing the majority of his games in left field last season, Schaeffer feels it’s most ideal to move Beck to right with the addition of speedy outfielder Jake McCarthy to play the spacious expanse. While Beck is more than capable of covering all three outfield positions, the move should not only preserve him physically but also better utilize his abilities on both sides of the ball.
As a goal-oriented individual, Beck’s motives boil down to a simple foundation in 2026.
“I think everybody’s got the same goal: just stay healthy and then get into the season, get ready to play and win some games.”
As for the expectations for himself?
“Kinda do everything you can do to get the most out of yourself.”
If Beck can find his consistency and achieve his goals, the Rockies are in for a treat.
I found this article interesting, not so much that I believe the club should bring Beeks back, but it does bring to mind that the Rockies could still make moves in spring training to improve the roster. Though the bullpen still seems set, unless something notable comes together or someone gets injured.
SURPRISE, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 19: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals poses for a portrait during photo day at Surprise Stadium on February 19, 2026 in Surprise, Arizona. (Photo by Jeremy Chen/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Isbel won’t feel much difference in straightaway center field. However, there will be some adjustments made in the gaps. He will have new angles and routes to track down the baseball. It’s something he is prepared to learn. Still, it won’t change his mentality to aggressively track the baseball in the air.
“It’s still a big field,” Isbel said. “They didn’t really touch center field for the most part. So it’s really the same. I think it’s gonna maybe have less triples — more than anything — with the lines being a little more brought in.”
“He had a really good slider working for him, and I knew that he got Carter [Jensen] on three in a row,” Caglianone said. “So when I got 0-2, I was like, ‘Wouldn’t be surprised if he went to that again,’ but I also still stayed on the heater. Thankfully, I got one just up enough to put a good swing on it.”
Touching 96 mph is a nice goal and everything, but I feel like it’s important to note that Falter has topped 95 mph with his fastballs just twice in his major league career. He did it one time last season, on a sinker, right before he was traded to Kansas City. Of course, all these guys are looking to add velocity these days…and visiting different pitching labs and training facilities with their own coaches to find that edge that will get them a tick more. Especially guys who know they are fighting for a spot on the club and the rotation. This will be an interesting development to monitor going forward.
Nothing was in the middle. Last year, after the break, it felt like he was either missing big out of the zone or leaving a pitch right in the middle of the plate to get crushed. I think if my math is right, he’ll make one more start in Royals camp before leaving for the WBC, though I may be off on that, depending on how the Royals set that up. But I’ll be curious to watch the command and that slider in his next outing. It’s easy to lament giving him $20 million per year for the next two, and it would hurt if he pitches like he did in August again, but if he can give the Royals even just league average for 175 innings per year, that’s a reasonable cost to pay for that.
And Witt’s drive to improve is relentless. J.J. Picollo, the head of baseball operations for the Royals, wrote in a text, “[Witt] is so easy to deal with because he takes such good care of himself that we have little-to-no concern. More of what we discuss with him is how we can keep him fresh and strong throughout the season.
“Some of the finer points of base stealing are things that are always being discussed, but he is clearly a very good baserunner.”
Kansas Jayhawks guard Darryn Peterson (22) jogs back after making a three-pointer against Houston Cougars during the game inside Allen Fieldhouse on Monday, Feb. 23, 2026. | Evert Nelson/The Capital-Journal / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
The 2026 NBA Draft is so good that it’s causing a moral crisis. There are nine teams in the tank race at the moment, and most of them feel like they’re putting out losing lineups on purpose with about 25 games to play in the season. This lottery will have huge stakes, and not just because there’s three potential No. 1 caliber prospects in BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, Duke’s Cameron Boozer, and Kansas’ Darryn Peterson.
The Indiana Pacers could pull off the ideal gap year without Tyrese Haliburton by landing a premium young prospect … unless their pick lands outside the top-4, and then it goes to the Los Angeles Clippers in the Ivica Zubac trade. The Dallas Mavericks hit the lottery last year for Cooper Flagg, and now they need to land him a great teammate without control of their first-round pick from 2027-2030. The Utah Jazz better land in the top-8, otherwise their pick goes to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The 2026 NBA Draft lottery will happen on Sunday, May 10, and until then the league’s worst teams are jockeying for position to maximize their ping pong balls. Here’s our latest mock draft, with more analysis on this class after the table.
Pick
Team
Player
Position
School
Age
1
Sacramento Kings
Cameron Boozer
Forward
Duke
Freshman
2
Indiana Pacers
AJ Dybantsa
Wing
BYU
Freshman
3
Brooklyn Nets
Darryn Peterson
Guard
Kansas
Freshman
4
Atlanta Hawks (via Pelicans)
Caleb Wilson
Forward
North Carolina
Freshman
5
Washington Wizards
Kingston Flemings
Guard
Houston
Freshman
6
Utah Jazz
Mikel Brown Jr.
Guard
Louisville
Freshman
7
Dallas Mavericks
Nate Ament
Wing
Tennessee
Freshman
8
Memphis Grizzlies
Dailyn Swain
Wing
Texas
Junior
9
Chicago Bulls
Patrick Ngongba
Center
Duke
Sophomore
10
Milwaukee Bucks
Yaxel Lendeborg
Forward
Michigan
Senior
11
Charlotte Hornets
Darius Acuff
Guard
Arkansas
Freshman
12
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Clippers)
Keaton Wagler
Guard
Illinois
Freshman
13
San Antonio Spurs (via Hawks)
Thomas Haugh
Forward
Florida
Junior
14
Portland Trail Blazers
Karim Lopez
Forward
NZ Breakers
Born 2007
15
Golden State Warriors
Hannes Steinbach
Forward/Center
Washington
Freshman
16
Miami Heat
Morez Johnson
Center/Forward
Michigan
Sophomore
17
Memphis Grizzlies (via Magic)
Jayden Quaintance
Center/Forward
Kentucky
Sophomore
18
Oklahoma City Thunder (via Sixers)
Cameron Carr
Wing
Baylor
Junior
19
Charlotte Hornets (via Suns)
Koa Peat
Forward
Arizona
Freshman
20
Toronto Raptors
Aday Mara
Center
Michigan
Junior
21
Detroit Pistons (via Wolves)
Braylon Mullins
Guard
UConn
Freshman
22
Los Angeles Lakers
Joshua Jefferson
Forward
Iowa State
Senior
23
Philadelphia 76ers (via Rockets)
Allen Graves
Forward
Santa Clara
Freshman
24
Denver Nuggets
Labaron Philon
Guard
Alabama
Sophomore
25
Atlanta Hawks (via Cavs)
Bennett Stirtz
Guard
Iowa
Senior
26
New York Knicks
Chris Cenac
Center
Houston
Freshman
27
Boston Celtics
Flory Bidunga
Center
Kansas
Sophomore
28
Cleveland Cavaliers (via Spurs)
Tyler Tanner
Guard
Vanderbilt
Sophomore
29
Dallas Mavericks (via OKC)
Tounde Yessoufou
Guard
Baylor
Freshman
30
Minnesota Timberwolves (via Pistons)
Amari Allen
Wing
Alabama
Freshman
Let’s dive into the biggest themes from this class over the last few weeks.
Ranking Boozer, Peterson, and Dybantsa in the top-3
There’s some movement on my personal board since I published a mid-season update at the start of the month. Here’s how I’d rank the ‘big three’ of the 2026 NBA Draft:
Cameron Boozer, F, Duke: The simple case for Boozer over Peterson and Dybantsa is that he’s the most productive and most versatile of the three while also being the youngest. It’s no coincidence that Boozer’s teams have won at the highest level in every setting: he positively impacts the game in so many ways without taking much off the table. At 6’9, 250 pounds, he can initiate a pick-and-roll like a guard, set a mean screen and make plays on the short roll as a big, pound the offensive glass, punish switches on the drive with his strength, or rip a catch-and-shoot three from deep. It’s understandable to question Boozer’s athletic fluidity, ability to finish over length, or high-level defensive impact, but he’s solid enough in those areas while shining basically everywhere else. If Boozer doesn’t pass your “eye test,” then your eye test probably sucks. I’ve always thought Boozer vs. Cooper Flagg is a better question than Boozer vs. Dybantsa or Peterson, and that continues to be true as he nears the stretch run of his one-and-done season.
A.J. Dybantsa, F, BYU: Dybantsa has been third on my board since the summer, but his strong Feb. combined with Peterson’s poor performance in conference play has elevated him to No. 2 for me for the first time. The BYU freshman is the prototypical big wing scorer NBA teams covet with a rare mix of length (7’1 wingspan), fluidity, and explosion. Dybantsa is a gifted driver with tight handles, impressive bend to turn the corner against defenders, and crazy stride length. His three-point volume has been underwhelming thus far, but otherwise he’s the total package as a scorer. I’m a bit skeptical of Dybantsa’s ability to impact the game in areas other than scoring. His playmaking has been surprisingly impressive thus far, but I wonder if some of that is due to BYU’s pristine system. His defense has been subpar, he’s only average as a rebounder, and he can have turnover problems. Ultimately, Dybantsa feels a clear step ahead of similar prospects like Brandon Miller and Ace Bailey in recent drafts because he’s more well-rounded as a scorer, but I wouldn’t put him in the Cooper Flagg/Jayson Tatum tier because he’s not as good at doing the dirty work.
Darryn Peterson, G, Kansas: Peterson washed Dybantsa at a high school level, and was so impressive as a senior that I briefly considered putting him over Boozer. The best version of Peterson would be a special guard prospect who can efficiently play a high-usage on-ball role while also being a knockdown shooter as an off-ball threat zooming around screens while also making a big impact defensively. The problem is that we haven’t seen Peterson’s best all year because of a bizarre set of injury issues that have limited his explosiveness at both ends. Peterson just isn’t getting into the paint off the bounce or jumping the passing lanes like he was expected to, but to his credit he’s still been a high-volume scorer on good efficiency. His shot-making has looked better than expected at Kansas, and if you believe his hamstring strain and cramping eventually resolve themselves, there’s still a case for him at No. 1. Peterson appeared to be the mainstream favorite to go No. 1 entering the year. Are we overreacting to a small sample by an injured player by dropping him to No. 3? It takes a leap of faith and heavy reliance on prior production to put Peterson over Boozer and Dybantsa, and I just don’t have the risk tolerance for that right now.
Mikel Brown Jr. makes it a strong top-6
Louisville freshman Mikel Brown Jr. has been considered a potential top-10 pick dating back to preseason. Two things slowed his momentum earlier in the season: a) a pesky back injury that kept him sidelined for an eight-game stretch, and b) an extended shooting slump. For his first 12 games this season, Brown was only shooting 27 percent from three, which was way below where he was expected to be. Over his last eight games, Brown has now made 32-of-83 (38.5 percent), which is more in line with his reputation.
No freshman EVER has more 3PM over a five-game stretch than Louisville’s Mikel Brown Jr., with 27 3PM (!) in his last 5.
This level of shotmaking prowess (16.5 3PA/100 + 54% 3P) is truly unprecedented. pic.twitter.com/LyEApXsmRh
Pull-up shooting is a big part of what makes Brown such an appealing potential offensive engine. The Louisville guard bombs away from deep with 14.5 three-point attempts per 100 possessions, which is just a fraction below Peterson for tops in the class among likely first-round picks. Of the 71 players in DI taking at least 14.5 threes per 100, no player has a higher free throw rate than Brown’s 46 percent. Add in a 30 percent assist rate, and the picture of Brown as a lead guard comes into focus: he pumps out a ton of threes, he consistently gets to the foul line with his attacking off the dribble, and he has good playmaking vision to kick out to teammates when the defense collapses on him.
It’s fair to wonder how else Brown can impact the game. He has only one offensive rebound in his first 20 games this season. His stock rate of 2.9 percent is underwhelming. His turnovers have been an issue all year, including six against Baylor and seven against SMU in back-to-back games earlier this month. Age can be a knock too, as Brown will turn 20 during Final Four weekend, and is six months older than Jeremiah Fears, the stud one-and-done point guard in last year’s draft.
I like the shooting/passing/foul-drawing package from Brown enough to solidify him as the No. 6 overall prospect in the class. If he really turns it on in the home stretch, he can challenge Houston’s Kingston Flemings for the top point guard in the class.
The late lottery feels like a hornets’ nest
Why is this considered such a strong NBA draft class? Mostly because it has three potential No. 1 overall picks at the top, and then really good prospects at 4-6. After that, I think it gets really dicey.
I wouldn’t want to be picking in the back-half of this lottery. Here’s how ESPN’s Jeremy Woo, probably the most sourced reporter covering the draft, ranked the 6-11 range: Keaton Wagler, Darius Acuff, Nate Ament, Mikel Brown Jr., Karim Lopez, Thomas Haugh. While I can see the vision with a lot of these players, I would feel serious hesitation using a top-11 pick on them outside of the aforementioned Brown.
Darius Acuff pull-up dagger three to send Arkansas-Alabama to overtime. He's got 41 points at the end of regulation pic.twitter.com/EV8FUKdpdl
To my knowledge, there’s never been a 6’6+ one-and-done lottery pick to finish a season with zero dunks, and Wagler is in line to do that so far. His athletic limitations also show up in his low steal rate, but it’s fair to point out that Illinois’ system suppresses steals as they rank dead-last in DI in takeaway percentage. Wagler has made up for it by being a nuclear off-the-dribble shooter who cooks especially hard against bigs on switches. Is that really a sustainable way to live in the NBA for a top-10 pick, though? Acuff has been remarkably productive for Arkansas, but I’m worried about his defense, rebounding, and mid-range heavy shot profile. Ament has been killing it lately as a tall and skinny wing, but his finishing, shooting, and defensive playmaking are so poor that he feels mostly like a theoretical player to me. Lopez is a skilled and strong ball handler at 6’9, but I’m worried about his outside shooting and defense. Haugh is a decent connective wing, but I don’t think his defense is special, and it feels like he would be the lowest usage player in most five-man NBA lineups.
Maybe I’m wrong and Wagler will be a cross between SGA and Haliburton, Acuff becomes Gen Z Stephon Marbury, Haugh turns into a star role player, and Ament refines his skills and becomes an ideal modern wing. It could all happen. I just don’t think the second-half of the lottery plays into the narrative that this is a super strong draft.
Give me 10 underrated prospects in the 2026 NBA Draft
Don’t twist my arm! Here’s some guys I’m higher on than consensus with some brief scouting reports.
There is so much to unpack with Swain's game. He's a hyper efficient 2pt scorer, shooting 65.9% inside the arc with nearly 85% of his attempts unassisted.… pic.twitter.com/pg5au45n0o
Hannes Steinbach, F, Washington: Elite offensive rebounder who catches and finishes everything inside and shines in transition.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan: Massive center (7’3 with 7’7 wingspan) who can defend the rim in drop coverage and also throws some absurdly great outlet passes.
Meleek Thomas, G, Arkansas: Knockdown three-point shooter who limits mistakes as a passer and ball handler.
Joshua Jefferson, F, Iowa State: Mack truck forward who rebounds, defends, and can make some awesome passes off the bounce.
Flory Bidunga, C, Kansas: Athletic center who can protect the rim and finish lobs.
Which picks do you love and hate?
Conference tournaments are about to be in full swing, and then it’s time for the big dance. March Madness is the best, and it’s going to be even better this year with such a loaded draft class on display.
What picks did I totally blow it on? What picks did you love? Sound off in the comments.
DALLAS, TEXAS - JANUARY 17: Klay Thompson #31 of the Dallas Mavericks drives to the basket against Ace Bailey #19 of the Utah Jazz during the first half at American Airlines Center on January 17, 2026 in Dallas, Texas. 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 Stacy Revere/Getty Images) | Getty Images
Coming into Tuesday’s NBA slate, the Dallas Mavericks (21-36) sat seventh from the bottom of the league standings. Just the Utah Jazz (18-40), the Washington Wizards (16-40), the New Orleans Pelicans (16-42), the Brooklyn Nets (15-42), the Indiana Pacers (15-43) and the sad Sacramento Kings (13-46) entered play with worse records than the Mavericks.
With a loaded 2026 NBA Draft class looming, all eyes in those markets are now firmly affixed upon the Tankathon standings, with visions of Dybantsa and Boozer dancing in fanbases’ heads. The Mavs may not have what it takes to get all the way to one of the top 2026 prospects, but the player available at the seventh overall pick this year may be more impactful than the second overall pick next year. Getting the seventh pick in this year’s draft would be a win.
But can the Mavericks’ tank gain any precious ground on any of the six teams ahead of them in the race to the bottom? That’s why they play the final 26 of the 82-game NBA season.
Dallas’ strength of schedule the rest of the way is 11th in the league. That’s a point in their favor for piling up more losses over the next month and a half. The fact that they came into Tuesday’s slate of games 3.5 games up on the Jazz, who sit at sixth in the Tankathon standings, and a full five games up on the Wizards in fifth, doesn’t bode as well. In fact, the Mavs came into play Tuesday just one game behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth-worst record in the NBA, inching a step closer toward moving from seventh to the eighth-best lottery odds with their 123-114 win at the Brooklyn Nets.
The tank is losing ground at the moment, in light of the Mavs’ back-to-back wins at Brooklyn and Indiana.
Snapshot: Race to the bottom
Team
Record as of Feb. 24
Remaining SOS
Chicago Bulls
24-35
13th
Memphis Grizzlies
21-35
6th
Dallas Mavericks
21-36
11th
Utah Jazz
18-40
21st
New Orleans Pelicans
17-42
23rd
Washington Wizards
16-41
4th
Brooklyn Nets
15-42
10th
Indiana Pacers
15-43
5th
Sacramento Kings
13-46
29th
After a cursory glance at the remaining schedule, I’ve got the Mavericks going 7-18 in their final 25 games, for a painful 28-54 record when it’s all said and done. That’s based on six scheduled wins and a belief that Dallas, a true blind squirrel, will find one more nut somewhere along the way.
If that happens, the Jazz would have to go 10-14 in their final 24 to tie the Mavs in the standings and bring conference record into play to decide the lottery-odds tiebreaker, or 11-13 to pass Dallas. The Jazz have an easier path to wins the rest of the way with their remaining strength of schedule at 21st in the league, but hoping they go 11-13 down the stretch seems like a bit of a stretch at this point.
The Mavs and the Jazz have already played all four of their matchups this year, splitting the four games between them.
It’s the same story with the New Orleans Pelicans. They’ve got more scheduled wins left in their final 23 games than the Mavericks have in their last 24, but they’d have to go 11-12 to finish out the year to give the Mavs a legitimate shot to pass them in the Tankathon standings. It looks like it’s going to be more ground than Dallas can make up at this point. It would be even harder to catch Washington, and their tank is emboldened by the fourth-best remaining strength of schedule in the NBA the rest of the way.
It looks more likely that the Mavericks will stay at the seventh-best odds in the lottery. In fact, it’s more likely that they slide to eighth than move up to sixth.
There are a lot of variables in play here. The sheer will of each team’s tanking effort is one that’s hard to quantify here. The Mavs, for instance, have consistently played hard in the face of a losing season, forcing their way into clutch loss after clutch loss along the way. The Jazz, on the other hand, are more blatant with their tank in terms of roster management.
At this point, if the Mavs are going to gain any ground, it will likely come at Utah’s expense, but it’s hard to see that happening. If you squint hard, you could convince yourself that Utah has 10 wins left on the schedule, but bad teams find a way to lose. It’s what bad teams do. And the Jazz are very much a team that has decided to be bad.
Keep an eye on this space, though, Mavs fans, because if Dallas can rattle off losses to Sacramento and Memphis on Thursday and Friday, or even split those two games, they’ll still have a chance to sneak past Utah before the year is out. Those would be two very valuable losses.
