Evan Sidery

2026 NBA Lottery Mock Draft with one spin via @grok: Pacers: AJ Dybantsa Mavericks: Darryn Peterson Kings: Cam Boozer Warriors: Caleb Wilson Wizards: Keaton Wagler Nets: Darius Acuff Jr. Jazz: Kingston Flemings Grizzlies: Mikel Brown Jr. Hawks (via Pelicans): Aday Mara Bulls: Labaron Philon Jr. Bucks: Brayden Burries Thunder (via Clippers): Yaxel Lendeborg Heat: Jayden Quaintance Hornets: Hannes Steinbach

Former Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is the reason why Indiana secured future No. 1 overall pick Fernando Mendoza. IU told Cuban they needed a bit more funds to sign Mendoza in the portal, and he made it happen. NIL has completely changed college sports.

The Timberwolves are only allowing 94.8 points per 100 possessions when Rudy Gobert, Jaden McDaniels and Anthony Edwards share the court in the playoffs. Minnesota has a strong shot against the Spurs due to their ability to make games into rock fights alongside Edwards’ scoring.

Masai Ujiri did not commit to keeping Jason Kidd as the Mavericks’ head coach during his introductory press conference. Ujiri will meet with Kidd this week to hear out his vision to see if they align.

The Sixers have been outscored by 39.5 points per 100 possessions in the playoffs when VJ Edgecombe sits: On: +2 NetRtg Off: -39.5 NetRtg Edgecombe is the only player in the Sixers’ current rotation carrying a positive postseason net rating. Philly’s rookie is a playoff riser.

The Pelicans’ finalists for their head coaching vacancy are Rajon Rondo, Darvin Ham, Sean Sweeney, and Steve Hetzel, per @sam_amick (nytimes.com/athletic/72540…). If Rondo gets the job, it would be a quick rise for the former All-Star point guard.

Jaylen Brown becomes eligible in late July to sign a new long-term extension with the Celtics. Brown will make $126 million over the next two seasons: 2026-27: $61 million 2027-28: $65 million If Boston decides to make a significant change, Brown’s contract sets up to be that.

TJ McConnell will be the Pacers’ representative at the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery. Indiana has never held the No. 1 overall pick.

Devin Booker’s 2023 playoff run is one of the most underrated in recent memory: 33.7 points 7.2 assists 4.8 rebounds 2.5 stocks 68.6 TS% 50.8 3PT% The Suns believe this version of Booker can be unleashed consistently next season with more off-ball looks.

Anthony Richardson has reported to the Colts’ offseason program after skipping the first two weeks hoping for a trade, per @HolderStephen. With Indianapolis not moving Richardson, likely due to little interest, he’s now back in the building competing as the backup quarterback.

The Rockets are expected to call on Giannis Antetokounmpo this summer after another disappointing playoff run. Houston would likely build an offer to the Bucks centered around Alperen Sengun and Jabari Smith Jr., which is a near identical salary match, plus future draft capital.

WNBA News: The Chicago Sky released 2025 1st-round pick Hailey Van Lith. Van Lith can now sign with any WNBA team.

The Mavericks hired Masai Ujiri as their new team president, per @ShamsCharania. A massive move for Dallas bringing aboard one of the NBA’s best executives to lead the Cooper Flagg era.

Kevin Durant’s "moodiness" wore on the Rockets’ young players throughout the season, per @BannedMacMahon/@ramonashelburne (espn.com/nba/story/_/id…). Durant’s alleged burner account also ruffled some feathers internally.

Wake Forest wing Juke Harris, who was viewed as a late-first round pick, has committed to Tennessee via the portal. The 6’7” wing with a 7’ wingspan averaged 21.4 points on a 58.1 TS% this season. The NIL effect is beginning to have a real impact on the depth of the 2026 draft.

Cade Cunningham’s playoff stats: 32.4 points 7.1 assists 5.9 rebounds 60.2 TS% Superstar numbers for the Pistons’ face of the franchise.

As the Raptors enter this offseason, one trend that’s now noticeable is they play significantly better without newest addition Brandon Ingram: On (regular season): +1 Off (regular season): +5.9 On (playoffs): -6.5 Off (playoffs): +7.7

The Magic’s top head coach target is Billy Donovan. While Orlando will make an aggressive push after firing Jamahl Mosley, Donovan could stall another week or two to see how the Knicks do in the next round. Orlando and New York appear to be Donovan’s preferred landing spots.

The Magic recently signed their president of basketball operations, Jeff Weltman, to a long-term extension, per @TheAthletic. Jamahl Mosley is out as head coach, but Weltman stays in charge of roster-building moving forward.

The Magic have officially fired head coach Jamahl Mosley, per @ShamsCharania. Mosley leading the team to a close loss against the 1-seed Pistons wasn’t enough to keep his job. Billy Donovan looms as a strong favorite here.