NBA Basketball 24 Hours

Last updated: June 24, 2026, 2:30 PM ET

NBA DRAFT & PLAYER MOVEMENT

The 2026 NBA Draft kicked off with AJ Dybantsa going first overall to the Washington Wizards, surpassing Kansas' Darryn Peterson who was subsequently selected by the Jazz at No. 2. The Memphis Grizzlies furthered their rebuild by selecting Duke's Cameron Boozer third overall, a move aimed at accelerating their club's reset. North Carolina's Caleb Wilson, lauded as potentially the best athlete in the draft, landed with the Chicago Bulls at No. 4, bolstering their frontcourt with significant upside. Michigan's Morez Johnson Jr. was taken ninth by the Dallas Mavericks, reuniting with former Wolverines coach Dusty May, and was one of three Michigan players selected in the lottery, alongside Yaxel Lendeborg, who went 11th to the Golden State Warriors. Lendeborg admitted he "used to hate Steph" Curry as a Kyrie Irving fan. Karim Lopez made history as the first player born in Mexico to be selected in the first round, going 21st to the Detroit Pistons before being traded to the Memphis Grizzlies.

Fantasy basketball managers are recalibrating their rosters following several significant offseason moves. Lakers guard Austin Reaves is set to sign a four-year, $185 million extension, including a player option for the 2029-30 season, solidifying his return to Los Angeles. Meanwhile, Andre Snellings and Eric Moody are breaking down the fantasy implications of other transactions, including Julius Randle's trade to Brooklyn. Snellings also identified potential fantasy assets among the 2026 draft class worth rostering for the upcoming season.

COACHING & COMMENTARY

Aces coach Becky Hammon acknowledged her prior criticism of Jalen Brunson was incorrect, stating the Knicks star has achieved a unique status. While not offering a direct apology, Hammon clarified her general stance on the efficacy of smaller guards leading teams, calling Brunson an "outlier" in that regard. Her comments stem from a broader discussion about second-round picks who have ascended to elite status, a group that includes Brunson and Nikola Jokić.

FRONT OFFICE & TEAM BUILDING

Milwaukee Bucks GM Jon Horst declined to comment on specifics regarding Giannis Antetokounmpo's future, instead repeatedly emphasizing the team's "theme of building" following their draft selections. In Boston, amid reported trade discussions surrounding Jaylen Brown, Celtics president of basketball operations Brad Stevens affirmed that the star forward "remains a big part of us" and is "valued" by the organization.

OFF-COURT & MISCELLANEOUS

Kevin Durant, a four-time Olympic gold medalist and the all-time leading scorer for USA Basketball, is set to coach in a 3x3 charity tournament this summer. This initiative sees prominent USA Basketball figures transitioning to coaching roles for the event. The 2026 NBA Draft in Brooklyn also saw the league's next generation of talent arrive in style, with players like Boozer and Dybantsa drawing attention for their draft-day fashion.