For over a decade, the phrase “trust the process” has divided waters within the NBA sphere.

The term, popularized by the mid-2010s Philadelphia 76ers when they blatantly tanked, refers to a roster-construction strategy that emphasizes draft picks and youth while de-emphasizing old, expensive veterans.

The idea is simple. By loading up a roster with young players and elite prospects, the odds of someone popping increases, as opposed to having a veteran team stuck in the first round of the playoffs every year, as young players aren’t given a chance to develop.

As soon as a star — or multiple stars — emerges, then teams can recalibrate and push for contention.

If that strategy sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because the Oklahoma City Thunder followed the path of the Sixers and won the 2025 title after half a decade of loading up on young players.

(Philadelphia did find an MVP in Joel Embiid and has also drafted multiple All-Stars. While the 76ers’ process never resulted in a championship, part of that was also due to the league intervening, leaving the project unfulfilled.)

[Get more Wizards news: Washington team feed]

Even with longer lottery odds now in a place, as well as the NBA installing as many safe rails as possible to avoid similar approaches to roster construction, more and more teams have found logic in the approach.

The Utah Jazz have made no secret of their plans to be absolutely awful this coming season to potentially grab a franchise player in the top three of next year’s draft.

Ethan Miller via Getty Images

And then there are the Washington Wizards, who also would very much like to select high next year to avoid relinquishing their pick to the Knicks if it falls outside the top eight. But that’s not all the Wizards are doing.

In fact, their process seems more deliberate and more careful, with a heavier emphasis on talent development than simply a raw volume of young players.

Goodbye to the old, hello to the new

Two years ago, the Wizards knew they were going nowhere. They’d just completed a three-year stretch of 35, 35 and 34 wins with players such as Russell Westbrook, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma and, of course, Bradley Beal. Nothing was working, and eventually they pulled the plug, even if it probably should have been pulled a year or two earlier.

Despite a no-trade clause, Beal and the Wizards agreed on a framework that would send the former All-Star guard to the Phoenix Suns. Porziņģis was sent to Boston, where he won the title in his first season there. Westbrook was sent out in a package that brought back Kuzma, who was traded to Milwaukee in February of last season. Poole ended his Wizards tenure this offseason, as he was traded to New Orleans.

All in all, the Wizards cleaned house, despite not receiving a plethora of picks in return. The value of their assets was, at best, modest. While most teams aren’t interested in trading players at their lowest point, Washington decided to swallow its pride and just get the deals done in order to move forward.

During that process, the Wizards kept making their draft selections with an eye on the future. They chose Alexandre Sarr second overall last summer, and traded for the 14th pick in Bub Carrington and the 24th selection in Kyshawn George.

The year before, they made a draft-night trade to secure the rights to Bilal Coulibaly, and this year they walked away with Tre Johnson and Will Riley as their main pieces.

The Wizards are in the process of loading up on young talent, per the trust-the-process playbook. But while doing so, they veered off the path ever so slightly by bringing in multiple veterans who are both costly and rather old.

The healthy foundation

One might think veterans will block youngsters from evolving. In some cases, that’s absolutely true. In the case of Washington, however, not so much.

Khris Middleton, acquired in the Kuzma trade, is no longer a 30-minute player. He’s older, he’s been through multiple injuries, and his time to ease back has arrived, regardless of how good he technically still is.

C.J. McCollum, acquired in the Poole trade, is also approaching his mid-30s. While he can certainly play 30-plus minutes per game, he isn’t a player who will dominate the ball and take away opportunities from others.

Both players are elite locker-room guys who will take younger players under their wings and provide both comfort and encouragement.

This is a deliberate choice by the Wizards, and one that makes oodles of sense when seen through the lens of player development. By installing two highly respected players who are former stars and bring the right kind of ego to the team, there’s a chance that accelerates and improves the development of young talent.

Essentially, the Wizards made a call on establishing a culture where accountability and having the right kind of leadership are prioritized.

Will it work?

Of course, there are no guarantees in this business, even if your approach to a new process is followed to the end.

Sarr might not develop into the multi-tooled All-Star big he was billed as. Coulibaly, who is expected to miss the start of the season after thumb surgery, could top out as a good starter and never make an All-Star team. Carrington could find himself as an eternal combo guard who can never find a permanent spot. Johnson could become the next Jordan Hawkins instead of the new Ray Allen.

Loads of issues and problematic developments could pop up. There are no guarantees the Wizards, despite their best efforts, will turn this process into anything sustainable.

But at least they’re trying.

At least they decided to pivot and make a real effort to go down a different path. At least they haven’t resigned themselves to years of irrelevance like the Chicago Bulls. At least they’re trying to type out their own story and lay the foundation for a future with hope.

We’ll see in the coming years how everything will unfold. But make no mistake about it: The Washington Wizards finally deserve our attention.

For over a decade, the phrase “trust the process” has divided waters within the NBA sphere.

The term, popularized by the mid-2010s Philadelphia 76ers when they blatantly tanked, refers to a roster-construction strategy that emphasizes draft picks and youth while de-emphasizing old, expensive veterans.

The idea is simple. By loading up a roster with young players and elite prospects, the odds of someone popping increases, as opposed to having a veteran team stuck in the first round of the playoffs every year, as young players aren’t given a chance to develop.

As soon as a star — or multiple stars — emerges, then teams can recalibrate and push for contention.

If that strategy sounds vaguely familiar, it’s because the Oklahoma City Thunder followed the path of the Sixers and won the 2025 title after half a decade of loading up on young players.

(Philadelphia did find an MVP in Joel Embiid and has also drafted multiple All-Stars. While the 76ers’ process never resulted in a championship, part of that was also due to the league intervening, leaving the project unfulfilled.)

[Get more Wizards news: Washington team feed]

Even with longer lottery odds now in a place, as well as the NBA installing as many safe rails as possible to avoid similar approaches to roster construction, more and more teams have found logic in the approach.

The Utah Jazz have made no secret of their plans to be absolutely awful this coming season to potentially grab a franchise player in the top three of next year’s draft.

Ethan Miller via Getty Images

And then there are the Washington Wizards, who also would very much like to select high next year to avoid relinquishing their pick to the Knicks if it falls outside the top eight. But that’s not all the Wizards are doing.

In fact, their process seems more deliberate and more careful, with a heavier emphasis on talent development than simply a raw volume of young players.

Goodbye to the old, hello to the new

Two years ago, the Wizards knew they were going nowhere. They’d just completed a three-year stretch of 35, 35 and 34 wins with players such as Russell Westbrook, Kristaps Porziņģis, Jordan Poole, Kyle Kuzma and, of course, Bradley Beal. Nothing was working, and eventually they pulled the plug, even if it probably should have been pulled a year or two earlier.

Despite a no-trade clause, Beal and the Wizards agreed on a framework that would send the former All-Star guard to the Phoenix Suns. Porziņģis was sent to Boston, where he won the title in his first season there. Westbrook was sent out in a package that brought back Kuzma, who was traded to Milwaukee in February of last season. Poole ended his Wizards tenure this offseason, as he was traded to New Orleans.

All in all, the Wizards cleaned house, despite not receiving a plethora of picks in return. The value of their assets was, at best, modest. While most teams aren’t interested in trading players at their lowest point, Washington decided to swallow its pride and just get the deals done in order to move forward.

During that process, the Wizards kept making their draft selections with an eye on the future. They chose Alexandre Sarr second overall last summer, and traded for the 14th pick in Bub Carrington and the 24th selection in Kyshawn George.

The year before, they made a draft-night trade to secure the rights to Bilal Coulibaly, and this year they walked away with Tre Johnson and Will Riley as their main pieces.

The Wizards are in the process of loading up on young talent, per the trust-the-process playbook. But while doing so, they veered off the path ever so slightly by bringing in multiple veterans who are both costly and rather old.

The healthy foundation

One might think veterans will block youngsters from evolving. In some cases, that’s absolutely true. In the case of Washington, however, not so much.

Khris Middleton, acquired in the Kuzma trade, is no longer a 30-minute player. He’s older, he’s been through multiple injuries, and his time to ease back has arrived, regardless of how good he technically still is.

C.J. McCollum, acquired in the Poole trade, is also approaching his mid-30s. While he can certainly play 30-plus minutes per game, he isn’t a player who will dominate the ball and take away opportunities from others.

Both players are elite locker-room guys who will take younger players under their wings and provide both comfort and encouragement.

This is a deliberate choice by the Wizards, and one that makes oodles of sense when seen through the lens of player development. By installing two highly respected players who are former stars and bring the right kind of ego to the team, there’s a chance that accelerates and improves the development of young talent.

Essentially, the Wizards made a call on establishing a culture where accountability and having the right kind of leadership are prioritized.

Will it work?

Of course, there are no guarantees in this business, even if your approach to a new process is followed to the end.

Sarr might not develop into the multi-tooled All-Star big he was billed as. Coulibaly, who is expected to miss the start of the season after thumb surgery, could top out as a good starter and never make an All-Star team. Carrington could find himself as an eternal combo guard who can never find a permanent spot. Johnson could become the next Jordan Hawkins instead of the new Ray Allen.

Loads of issues and problematic developments could pop up. There are no guarantees the Wizards, despite their best efforts, will turn this process into anything sustainable.

But at least they’re trying.

At least they decided to pivot and make a real effort to go down a different path. At least they haven’t resigned themselves to years of irrelevance like the Chicago Bulls. At least they’re trying to type out their own story and lay the foundation for a future with hope.

We’ll see in the coming years how everything will unfold. But make no mistake about it: The Washington Wizards finally deserve our attention.

Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has made Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings is the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him, if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrents keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would include the Warriors shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

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Why Warriors are reluctant to trade Jonathan Kuminga to Kings, per Sam Amick originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

It appears the Warriors don’t want to lock up Jonathan Kuminga long-term, but they also don’t want him to potentially go elsewhere and thrive with another NBA team.

Especially, it seems, the NBA team 80 miles northeast in Sacramento.

As The Athletic’s Sam Amick shared on a recent appearance on Sactown Sports 1140’s “The Carmichael Dave Show,” a small factor that has kept Golden State hesitant to send Kuminga to the Kings partly is due to the fear of the 22-year-old breaking out in California’s state capital.

“Joe Lacob is eternally in love with Jonathan Kuminga,” Amick said Wednesday. “There is a sense from some people involved that there’s a real reluctance not only to finally quit him if you will, but to see him go up the road to another Northern California NBA team that’s run by a guy in Vivek Ranadivé, who used to be with the Warriors. And what if Kuminga blows up and becomes a total star?

“From a personal ownership dynamic level, there are some folks that feel like that could be playing a small part. Again, that’s not really relevant, because these other things are the real obstacles. But I mean, Joe — like a lot of owners — is very involved, too.”

As Amick emphasized, this only is a small factor among the overarching deterrants keeping Kuminga out of Sacramento.

The Kings offered veteran guard Malik Monk and a protected first-round pick to Golden State in exchange for the young forward, per multiple reports, but the Warriors don’t want any protections attached to the future draft pick, something Sacramento has been unwilling to offer at this point.

Plus, as Amick reported in a recent column, there are other financial obstacles in the way as Monk’s current contract runs through the 2027-28 season, when he has a player option worth $21.5 million. But the Warriors are adamant about having as much financial flexibility entering that 2027 summer, as they could chase big-name superstars such as Nikola Jokić or Giannis Antetokounmpo, who both have player options for the 2027-28 season.

Kuminga, in four seasons with the Warriors since being selected No. 7 overall in the 2022 NBA Draft, has averaged 12.5 points on 50.7 percent shooting, with 4.0 rebounds and 1.8 assists in 22.0 minutes through 258 career games (84 starts).

He has been in and out of Warriors coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, and after registering multiple DNP-CDs to end the 2024-25 regular season and into the postseason, Kuminga has been firm about wanting a consistent, solidified role with a team, something Golden State has yet to make feasible, especially after the late-season acquisition of six-time NBA All-Star Jimmy Butler.

The Phoenix Suns are the other team to have shown strong interest in Kuminga via a sign-and-trade deal, and while that still would be shipping their former first-round pick to a Western Conference rival, it would seem to be a lot less painful than watching him shine in Sacramento.

Download and follow the Dubs Talk Podcast

A mock draft is one of the best ways to prepare for your fantasy basketball season. With a panel of NBA Fantasy experts, I hosted a 12-team, 9-category mock draft on Yahoo to analyze different strategies and values. From the first-overall pick to late-round sleepers, I’ll break down my picks with commentary on player value, position scarcity, and which players might be worth a gamble. Full results for every team can be found at the end.

1- Nikola Jokic, Nuggets

You should consider Victor Wembanyama here too, but I still believe Jokic is the safer option. He’s been the best fantasy asset across the past half-decade. Nothing should change this year for him, though I wouldn’t be shocked if he saw 1-3 fewer minutes per game since Denver is deeper than last year. Either way, drafting Jokic sets you up for almost any other type of build you want to execute.

24- Amen Thompson, Rockets

Maybe these next two picks could be considered small reaches, but you don’t have much of a choice when picking at the turn. You have to get your guys. Thompson certainly fits that bill for me around this draft slot. He’s one of the best athletes in the NBA, an All-Defensive player, and versatile on the offensive end. If Thompson can improve his perimeter shooting even a little bit, there might be a first-round fantasy asset here.

25- Josh Giddey, Bulls

You shouldn’t expect Giddey to produce at the level he did in March and April last season. But he’s still the lead playmaker for this run-and-gun Bulls squad, and agreeing on a contract extension cements the organization’s commitment to him. He’s a candidate for a triple-double every time he steps on the floor, and he’s made strides as a three-point shooter and defender.

48- Coby White, Bulls

I didn’t mean to grab Bulls players back-to-back, but Giddey/White is a solid pairing. You get the team’s top two offensive options. White is essentially doing a Zach LaVine impersonation. He’s an efficient scoring combo guard who can drop some dimes. If Giddey misses any time, White becomes the team’s best playmaker by a mile.

49- Joel Embiid, 76ers

There isn’t really a “right” spot for Embiid with his injury risk, but this is generally where he’s being drafted. Part of me couldn’t resist the MVP pairing of Embiid with Jokic. It’s also important to remember Yahoo’s default league requires two starting centers. There’s a premium on bigs, so I didn’t mind taking a bit of a gamble.

72- Josh Hart, Knicks

The fantasy basketball community doesn’t buy Hart producing at the same level that he did last season. Part of that was potentially unsustainable efficiency; another part is wondering if new coach Mike Brown will play Hart (and the rest of the starters) knee-destroying minutes like Tom Thibodeau did. But at pick 72, I’ll buy the dip.

73- Julius Randle, Timberwolves

Randle has holes in his game, especially defensively. But his floor is quite high as Minnesota’s clear No. 2 option – a team that doesn’t have many reliable playmakers. I’ll happily take the points/rebounds/assists combo at this draft position.

96- Brandon Ingram, Raptors

My argument for drafting Ingram at 96 isn’t much different from drafting Randle at 73. Who else in this range has 20/5/5 upside? Yes, Ingram falls this far for a reason – he can’t stay healthy, and Toronto’s offensive hierarchy is confusing. I knock him for those exact same reasons, but those concerns ring more hollow around pick 100.

97- Zach Edey, Grizzlies

Edey won’t begin the season healthy, and it’s possible he misses the first month or two. For that reason, this might be a little early for him. Still, I’ll toss him in my injured reserve slot and figure it out later. Edey’s play was encouraging down the stretch last season, and it seems like new coach Tuomas Iisalo is interested in featuring him more than Taylor Jenkins was. We know it doesn’t take much for centers with Edey’s statistical profile to contend for top-50 production.

120- TJ McConnell, Pacers

Indiana’s gameplan for this season feels up in the air. Ultimately I trust McConnell to play 20-25 minutes. He’s got top-75 upside if he can get more into the 26-28 minute range. At this point in the draft, he’s an excellent source of assists and steals. And we know he can pop for big games when given expanded opportunities.

121- Brandin Podziemski, Warriors

Despite being about a month away from regular-season basketball, we do not have a resolution on the Jonathan Kuminga situation. That makes Podziemski’s value murkier than I would like, but he improved significantly toward the end of last year after struggling out of the gate. I buy him as a glue guy with upside to expand his role if/when Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler and Draymond Green miss time.

144- Kyle Kuzma, Bucks

I’m far from a Kuzma optimist, but the Bucks are not a deep team when it comes to playmakers. In theory, Kuzma could fill the No. 2 role behind Giannis Antetokounmpo. Very few potential No. 2 options are available with your second-to-last pick in a fantasy basketball draft.

145- Collin Sexton, Hornets

Sexton has almost faded into obscurity while playing for the tanking Jazz, but he has quietly been one of the more productive per-minute guards in the NBA. I don’t trust him to have more than a sixth-man role for Charlotte, but we know LaMelo Ball has struggled to stay healthy.

Draft Results – Rounds

Round 1

Nikola Jokić (DEN – C) – Alex Barutha

Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C) – Kirien’s Mat…

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC – PG) – Rotomancer

Luka Dončić (LAL – PG,SG) – Fantasy•Ba…

Cade Cunningham (DET – PG,SG) – DT’s Fabulou…

Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – PF,C) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Anthony Davis (DAL – PF,C) – Aburnshoops

Anthony Edwards (MIN – PG,SG) – Maven’s Mind…

Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK – PF,C) – Mike Catron …

Trae Young (ATL – PG) – Joel Bartilo…

James Harden (LAC – PG,SG) – Matty G @NBA…

Tyrese Maxey (PHI – PG) – SteveSaintP

Round 2

Stephen Curry (GSW – PG) – SteveSaintP

Devin Booker (PHX – PG,SG) – Matty G @NBA…

Domantas Sabonis (SAC – C) – Joel Bartilo…

Evan Mobley (CLE – PF,C) – Mike Catron …

Jalen Johnson (ATL – SF,PF) – Maven’s Mind…

Donovan Mitchell (CLE – PG,SG) – Aburnshoops

Jaylen Brown (BOS – SG,SF) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF) – DT’s Fabulou…

Alperen Sengun (HOU – C) – Fantasy•Ba…

Kevin Durant (HOU – SF,PF) – Rotomancer

Scottie Barnes (TOR – SG,SF,PF) – Kirien’s Mat…

Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF) – Alex Barutha

Round 3

Josh Giddey (CHI – PG,SG) – Alex Barutha

Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C) – Kirien’s Mat…

Chet Holmgren (OKC – PF,C) – Rotomancer

LeBron James (LAL – SF,PF) – Fantasy•Ba…

Jalen Brunson (NYK – PG) – DT’s Fabulou…

De’Aaron Fox (SAS – PG,SG) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Bam Adebayo (MIA – PF,C) – Aburnshoops

LaMelo Ball (CHA – PG,SG) – Maven’s Mind…

Jamal Murray (DEN – PG,SG) – Mike Catron …

Pascal Siakam (IND – PF,C) – Joel Bartilo…

Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG,SG,SF) – Matty G @NBA…

Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM – PF,C) – SteveSaintP

Round 4

Myles Turner (MIL – C) – SteveSaintP

Kawhi Leonard (LAC – SF,PF) – Matty G @NBA…

Derrick White (BOS – PG,SG) – Joel Bartilo…

Tyler Herro (MIA – PG,SG) – Mike Catron …

Deni Avdija (POR – SF,PF) – Maven’s Mind…

Franz Wagner (ORL – SF,PF) – Aburnshoops

Ivica Zubac (LAC – C) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Trey Murphy III (NOP – SF,PF) – DT’s Fabulou…

Ja Morant (MEM – PG) – Fantasy•Ba…

Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF) – Rotomancer

Brandon Miller (CHA – SF,PF) – Kirien’s Mat…

Coby White (CHI – PG,SG) – Alex Barutha

Round 5

Joel Embiid (PHI – C) – Alex Barutha

Austin Reaves (LAL – PG,SG) – Kirien’s Mat…

Desmond Bane (ORL – SG,SF) – Rotomancer

Jimmy Butler III (GSW – SF,PF) – Fantasy•Ba…

Jalen Duren (DET – C) – DT’s Fabulou…

Lauri Markkanen (UTA – SF,PF) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL – PF,C) – Aburnshoops

Deandre Ayton (LAL – C) – Maven’s Mind…

Darius Garland (CLE – PG) – Mike Catron …

Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF) – Joel Bartilo…

Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C) – Matty G @NBA…

Cameron Johnson (DEN – SF,PF) – SteveSaintP

Round 6

Payton Pritchard (BOS – PG) – SteveSaintP

Mark Williams (PHX – C) – Matty G @NBA…

Nikola Vučević (CHI – C) – Joel Bartilo…

DeMar DeRozan (SAC – SF) – Mike Catron …

Immanuel Quickley (TOR – PG,SG) – Maven’s Mind…

Jordan Poole (NOP – PG,SG) – Aburnshoops

Jalen Green (PHX – PG,SG) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Jarrett Allen (CLE – C) – DT’s Fabulou…

Walker Kessler (UTA – C) – Fantasy•Ba…

OG Anunoby (NYK – SF,PF) – Rotomancer

Alex Sarr (WAS – C) – Kirien’s Mat…

Josh Hart (NYK – SG,SF,PF) – Alex Barutha

Round 7

Julius Randle (MIN – PF,C) – Alex Barutha

Kel’el Ware (MIA – PF,C) – Kirien’s Mat…

Donovan Clingan (POR – C) – Rotomancer

Miles Bridges (CHA – SF,PF) – Fantasy•Ba…

Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC – C) – DT’s Fabulou…

Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Zach LaVine (SAC – PG,SG) – Aburnshoops

Matas Buzelis (CHI – SF,PF) – Maven’s Mind…

Onyeka Okongwu (ATL – C) – Mike Catron …

Michael Porter Jr. (BKN – SF,PF) – Joel Bartilo…

Fred VanVleet (HOU – PG) – Matty G @NBA…

Paul George (PHI – SG,SF,PF) – SteveSaintP

Round 8

Rudy Gobert (MIN – C) – SteveSaintP

Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF) – Matty G @NBA…

Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG,SG) – Joel Bartilo…

Christian Braun (DEN – SG,SF) – Mike Catron …

Nic Claxton (BKN – C) – Maven’s Mind…

Mikal Bridges (NYK – SF,PF) – Aburnshoops

John Collins (LAC – PF,C) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Anfernee Simons (BOS – PG,SG) – DT’s Fabulou…

Jaden Ivey (DET – PG,SG) – Fantasy•Ba…

Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF) – Rotomancer

Toumani Camara (POR – SF,PF) – Kirien’s Mat…

Brandon Ingram (TOR – SG,SF,PF) – Alex Barutha

Round 9

Zach Edey (MEM – C) – Alex Barutha

VJ Edgecombe (PHI – SG) – Kirien’s Mat…

Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG) – Rotomancer

Dereck Lively II (DAL – C) – Fantasy•Ba…

Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG,SF) – DT’s Fabulou…

Devin Vassell (SAS – SG,SF) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Draymond Green (GSW – PF,C) – Aburnshoops

Tobias Harris (DET – PF) – Maven’s Mind…

Bradley Beal (LAC – SG,SF) – Mike Catron …

Keyonte George (UTA – PG,SG) – Joel Bartilo…

Norman Powell (MIA – SG,SF) – Matty G @NBA…

Kyrie Irving (DAL – PG) – SteveSaintP

Round 10

Isaiah Jackson (IND – C) – SteveSaintP

Donte DiVincenzo (MIN – PG,SG) – Matty G @NBA…

RJ Barrett (TOR – SF,PF) – Joel Bartilo…

Tari Eason (HOU – SF,PF) – Mike Catron …

Isaiah Collier (UTA – PG,SG) – Maven’s Mind…

D’Angelo Russell (DAL – PG) – Aburnshoops

Aaron Gordon (DEN – PF,C) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Naz Reid (MIN – PF,C) – DT’s Fabulou…

Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG) – Fantasy•Ba…

Keegan Murray (SAC – SF,PF) – Rotomancer

Zaccharie Risacher (ATL – SF,PF) – Kirien’s Mat…

T.J. McConnell (IND – PG) – Alex Barutha

Round 11

Brandin Podziemski (GSW – PG,SG) – Alex Barutha

Reed Sheppard (HOU – PG,SG) – Kirien’s Mat…

Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF) – Rotomancer

Andrew Wiggins (MIA – SG,SF) – Fantasy•Ba…

Herbert Jones (NOP – SF,PF) – DT’s Fabulou…

Malik Monk (SAC – SG) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Scoot Henderson (POR – PG) – Aburnshoops

Jaden McDaniels (MIN – SF,PF) – Maven’s Mind…

Stephon Castle (SAS – PG,SG) – Mike Catron …

CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG) – Joel Bartilo…

Jrue Holiday (POR – PG,SG) – Matty G @NBA…

Ace Bailey (UTA – SF) – SteveSaintP

Round 12

Egor Demin (BKN – PG) – SteveSaintP

Bobby Portis (MIL – PF,C) – Matty G @NBA…

Bilal Coulibaly (WAS – SG,SF) – Joel Bartilo…

Brook Lopez (LAC – C) – Mike Catron …

Neemias Queta (BOS – PF,C) – Maven’s Mind…

Kyle Filipowski (UTA – PF,C) – Aburnshoops

Santi Aldama (MEM – PF,C) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Cason Wallace (OKC – PG,SG) – DT’s Fabulou…

Cam Whitmore (WAS – SF,PF) – Fantasy•Ba…

Jared McCain (PHI – PG,SG) – Rotomancer

Jay Huff (IND – C) – Kirien’s Mat…

Kyle Kuzma (MIL – SF,PF) – Alex Barutha

Round 13

Collin Sexton (CHA – PG,SG) – Alex Barutha

Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF) – Kirien’s Mat…

Sam Hauser (BOS – SF,PF) – Rotomancer

Ty Jerome (MEM – SG) – Fantasy•Ba…

Daniel Gafford (DAL – C) – DT’s Fabulou…

Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL – SG,SF) – Jeff’s Sensa…

Yang Hansen (POR – C) – Aburnshoops

Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU – PF,C) – Maven’s Mind…

Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF) – Mike Catron …

Yves Missi (NOP – C) – Joel Bartilo…

De’Andre Hunter (CLE – SF,PF) – Matty G @NBA…

Chris Boucher (BOS – PF,C) – SteveSaintP

Draft Results – Teams

Alex Barutha

(1) Nikola Jokić (DEN – C)

(24) Amen Thompson (HOU – PG,SG,SF)

(25) Josh Giddey (CHI – PG,SG)

(48) Coby White (CHI – PG,SG)

(49) Joel Embiid (PHI – C)

(72) Josh Hart (NYK – SG,SF,PF)

(73) Julius Randle (MIN – PF,C)

(96) Brandon Ingram (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

(97) Zach Edey (MEM – C)

(120) T.J. McConnell (IND – PG)

(121) Brandin Podziemski (GSW – PG,SG)

(144) Kyle Kuzma (MIL – SF,PF)

(145) Collin Sexton (CHA – PG,SG)

Kirien’s Matchless Team

(2) Victor Wembanyama (SAS – C)

(23) Scottie Barnes (TOR – SG,SF,PF)

(26) Paolo Banchero (ORL – PF,C)

(47) Brandon Miller (CHA – SF,PF)

(50) Austin Reaves (LAL – PG,SG)

(71) Alex Sarr (WAS – C)

(74) Kel’el Ware (MIA – PF,C)

(95) Toumani Camara (POR – SF,PF)

(98) VJ Edgecombe (PHI – SG)

(119) Zaccharie Risacher (ATL – SF,PF)

(122) Reed Sheppard (HOU – PG,SG)

(143) Jay Huff (IND – C)

(146) Jonathan Kuminga (GSW – SF,PF)

Rotomancer

(3) Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (OKC – PG)

(22) Kevin Durant (HOU – SF,PF)

(27) Chet Holmgren (OKC – PF,C)

(46) Cooper Flagg (DAL – SF)

(51) Desmond Bane (ORL – SG,SF)

(70) OG Anunoby (NYK – SF,PF)

(75) Donovan Clingan (POR – C)

(94) Ausar Thompson (DET – SF,PF)

(99) Jalen Suggs (ORL – PG)

(118) Keegan Murray (SAC – SF,PF)

(123) Kyshawn George (WAS – SG,SF)

(142) Jared McCain (PHI – PG,SG)

(147) Sam Hauser (BOS – SF,PF)

Fantasy•Basketball•PH’s Team

(4) Luka Dončić (LAL – PG,SG)

(21) Alperen Sengun (HOU – C)

(28) LeBron James (LAL – SF,PF)

(45) Ja Morant (MEM – PG)

(52) Jimmy Butler III (GSW – SF,PF)

(69) Walker Kessler (UTA – C)

(76) Miles Bridges (CHA – SF,PF)

(93) Jaden Ivey (DET – PG,SG)

(100) Dereck Lively II (DAL – C)

(117) Kevin Porter Jr. (MIL – PG,SG)

(124) Andrew Wiggins (MIA – SG,SF)

(141) Cam Whitmore (WAS – SF,PF)

(148) Ty Jerome (MEM – SG)

DT’s Fabulous Team

(5) Cade Cunningham (DET – PG,SG)

(20) Jalen Williams (OKC – SF,PF)

(29) Jalen Brunson (NYK – PG)

(44) Trey Murphy III (NOP – SF,PF)

(53) Jalen Duren (DET – C)

(68) Jarrett Allen (CLE – C)

(77) Isaiah Hartenstein (OKC – C)

(92) Anfernee Simons (BOS – PG,SG)

(101) Bennedict Mathurin (IND – SG,SF)

(116) Naz Reid (MIN – PF,C)

(125) Herbert Jones (NOP – SF,PF)

(140) Cason Wallace (OKC – PG,SG)

(149) Daniel Gafford (DAL – C)

Jeff’s Sensational Team

(6) Giannis Antetokounmpo (MIL – PF,C)

(19) Jaylen Brown (BOS – SG,SF)

(30) De’Aaron Fox (SAS – PG,SG)

(43) Ivica Zubac (LAC – C)

(54) Lauri Markkanen (UTA – SF,PF)

(67) Jalen Green (PHX – PG,SG)

(78) Cam Thomas (BKN – SG,SF)

(91) John Collins (LAC – PF,C)

(102) Devin Vassell (SAS – SG,SF)

(115) Aaron Gordon (DEN – PF,C)

(126) Malik Monk (SAC – SG)

(139) Santi Aldama (MEM – PF,C)

(150) Nickeil Alexander-Walker (ATL – SG,SF)

Aburnshoops

(7) Anthony Davis (DAL – PF,C)

(18) Donovan Mitchell (CLE – PG,SG)

(31) Bam Adebayo (MIA – PF,C)

(42) Franz Wagner (ORL – SF,PF)

(55) Kristaps Porziņģis (ATL – PF,C)

(66) Jordan Poole (NOP – PG,SG)

(79) Zach LaVine (SAC – PG,SG)

(90) Mikal Bridges (NYK – SF,PF)

(103) Draymond Green (GSW – PF,C)

(114) D’Angelo Russell (DAL – PG)

(127) Scoot Henderson (POR – PG)

(138) Kyle Filipowski (UTA – PF,C)

(151) Yang Hansen (POR – C)

Maven’s Mind-Blowing Team

(8) Anthony Edwards (MIN – PG,SG)

(17) Jalen Johnson (ATL – SF,PF)

(32) LaMelo Ball (CHA – PG,SG)

(41) Deni Avdija (POR – SF,PF)

(56) Deandre Ayton (LAL – C)

(65) Immanuel Quickley (TOR – PG,SG)

(80) Matas Buzelis (CHI – SF,PF)

(89) Nic Claxton (BKN – C)

(104) Tobias Harris (DET – PF)

(113) Isaiah Collier (UTA – PG,SG)

(128) Jaden McDaniels (MIN – SF,PF)

(137) Neemias Queta (BOS – PF,C)

(152) Jabari Smith Jr. (HOU – PF,C)

Mike Catron – @watchtheboxes

(9) Karl-Anthony Towns (NYK – PF,C)

(16) Evan Mobley (CLE – PF,C)

(33) Jamal Murray (DEN – PG,SG)

(40) Tyler Herro (MIA – PG,SG)

(57) Darius Garland (CLE – PG)

(64) DeMar DeRozan (SAC – SF)

(81) Onyeka Okongwu (ATL – C)

(88) Christian Braun (DEN – SG,SF)

(105) Bradley Beal (LAC – SG,SF)

(112) Tari Eason (HOU – SF,PF)

(129) Stephon Castle (SAS – PG,SG)

(136) Brook Lopez (LAC – C)

(153) Aaron Nesmith (IND – SF)

Joel Bartilotta RW

(10) Trae Young (ATL – PG)

(15) Domantas Sabonis (SAC – C)

(34) Pascal Siakam (IND – PF,C)

(39) Derrick White (BOS – PG,SG)

(58) Zion Williamson (NOP – SF,PF)

(63) Nikola Vučević (CHI – C)

(82) Michael Porter Jr. (BKN – SF,PF)

(87) Andrew Nembhard (IND – PG,SG)

(106) Keyonte George (UTA – PG,SG)

(111) RJ Barrett (TOR – SF,PF)

(130) CJ McCollum (WAS – PG,SG)

(135) Bilal Coulibaly (WAS – SG,SF)

(154) Yves Missi (NOP – C)

Matty G @NBAGEEWHIZ

(11) James Harden (LAC – PG,SG)

(14) Devin Booker (PHX – PG,SG)

(35) Dyson Daniels (ATL – PG,SG,SF)

(38) Kawhi Leonard (LAC – SF,PF)

(59) Jakob Poeltl (TOR – C)

(62) Mark Williams (PHX – C)

(83) Fred VanVleet (HOU – PG)

(86) Shaedon Sharpe (POR – SG,SF)

(107) Norman Powell (MIA – SG,SF)

(110) Donte DiVincenzo (MIN – PG,SG)

(131) Jrue Holiday (POR – PG,SG)

(134) Bobby Portis (MIL – PF,C)

(155) De’Andre Hunter (CLE – SF,PF)

SteveSaintP

(12) Tyrese Maxey (PHI – PG)

(13) Stephen Curry (GSW – PG)

(36) Jaren Jackson Jr. (MEM – PF,C)

(37) Myles Turner (MIL – C)

(60) Cameron Johnson (DEN – SF,PF)

(61) Payton Pritchard (BOS – PG)

(84) Paul George (PHI – SG,SF,PF)

(85) Rudy Gobert (MIN – C)

(108) Kyrie Irving (DAL – PG)

(109) Isaiah Jackson (IND – C)

(132) Ace Bailey (UTA – SF)

(133) Egor Demin (BKN – PG)

(156) Chris Boucher (BOS – PF,C)

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Zolak & Bertrand share intel on Tatum’s intense approach to Achilles rehab originally appeared on NBC Sports Boston

Jayson Tatum is still a long way from returning to action for the Boston Celtics. But he seems hell-bent on making his absence as short as possible.

Tatum underwent surgery mere hours after rupturing his Achilles tendon on May 12 in the Celtics’ second-round playoff series with the New York Knicks. By early July, he was doing pool workouts. By August, he was out of his walking boot.

And what appears to be aiding his recovery is essentially treating it like a full time job.

Marc Bertrand and Scott Zolak, the co-hosts of 98.5 The Sports Hub’s Zolak & Bertrand radio show, revealed Thursday that they went out to dinner Wednesday night with Celtics head coach Joe Mazzulla, who relayed some positive news about Tatum’s recovery.

“The Celtics are very happy with how hard Jayson Tatum has been working at his rehab, and his level of focus and intensity in the rehab process,” Bertrand said.

“(Tatum) did not leave town. He has been here the entire time. … Since the injury, he has not left town and he has been inside the building at the Celtics’ facility with their people and their team almost every single day for months.”

It’s not uncommon for injured players to be away from the facility during their rehab, especially during the offseason. For example, there were reports before Damian Lillard re-signed with the Portland Trail Blazers that he planned to rehab from his torn Achilles in Portland, regardless of where he signed.

But Tatum apparently has been doing his entire rehab in Boston under the guise of the Celtics’ training staff at their facility. And his commitment to that rehab is such that he’s been in the building virtually every weekday, per Zolak.

“He’s taken trips. He’ll go away to a certain island or something,” Zolak said. “But he’ll get his Friday workout in, fly down, work out there at that place, fly back late Sunday night, and be right back in the building on Monday morning.”

“All summer long, all he did was take weekend trips away,” Bertrand added. “He did not go away for any extended period of time, because he wanted to be back to work on his rehab.

“He’s doing things that nobody asked him to do.”

What all of this means for Tatum’s return date is still unclear. The Celtics have refused to put a timeline on his recovery, and it’s still possible they hold him out for the entire 2025-26 season, especially if the team isn’t a serious playoff contender after losing several key players this offseason.

But if Tatum continues this round-the-clock approach to his recovery, don’t be surprised if the discussion around his possible return gets louder when the calendar flips to 2026.

Here’s more from Zolak & Bertrand on Tatum:

Tatum’s progress is undoubtedly encouraging. But even if he’s ready to play by late February or early March (about nine to 10 months after his surgery), it’s still possible the Celtics keep him out or slow-play his return to ensure he’s 100 percent healthy for the 2026-27 campaign, instead of rushing him back amid a season with lower expectations.

Either way, younger players like Walsh, second-year wing Baylor Scheierman and rookie Hugo Gonzalez will have opportunity for larger roles while Tatum is sidelined. And it sounds like there’s already a fierce competition playing out for those minutes on the Celtics’ practice courts.

“The energy is already different. You can feel it,” Walsh said. “It’s kind of like, everybody’s trying to find their footing. Everybody’s trying to make their way, because it’s a bunch of young guys who are not necessarily proven. It’s a lot of potential and unproven talent that’s on the team.

“You can feel it in every workout where everybody is going at each other’s necks. Everybody’s trying to earn that spot, earn that playing time, earn that position. So, it’s like a dog fight right now.”

Check out Walsh’s full interview with Forsberg on the latest Celtics Talk Podcast:

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